Howard E. Ragsdale

August 31, 1921 ~ November 10, 2014
Howard Earnest Ragsdale was born August 31, 1921 in Oak Creek Colorado. At an early age he moved to a ranch outside of Cedaredge, Colorado. Later, he moved to a ranch in Craig, Colorado. In the mid 1930's he moved to Denver, Colorado and finally to Westminster. He quit school in 1938 and went to work for a contractor building houses. On May 22, 1940 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy for a term of six years. He served aboard the U.S.S. Boise, a light cruiser in the South Pacific. He was transferred to the U.S.S. Thorn, a small destroyer. Howard was honorably discharged from the U.S.S. Navy on May 24, 1946, holding the rate of Boatswains Mate First Class. On June 24, 1946 he was accepted into the carpenters’ union at which occupation he remained until his retirement in 1981. During his life Howard was active in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Verle Huffman Post 9644, Sheridan, Colorado, serving as Commander and District 10 Commander. He also served as an Officer of the American Legion Post. No. 11, Simla, Colorado.
Howard married Minnie Willmann November 26, 1947 in Loveland, Colorado. They raised three children and a step daughter. Later he married Francis Coe and they moved to Simla, Colorado in 1981.
Howard was born August 31, 1921 and passed away November 10, 2014 at the age of 93. He will be missed by his 3 children James (Terry), Calvin (Candace), Barbara (T.J.) Smith; 6 step children Beverly Swayze, Roy Schiffner (Debbie), Lorraine Pelz (Kurt), Danial Schiffner (Liz), Terri Schiffner, Loretta Smith; step son-in-law Larry Bartholomew; 7 grandchildren, 24 step grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, 28 step great-grandchildren, 4 great-great–grandchildren; his sister Leona Cessa, half-brothers Kenneth (Linda) and Wayne Ragsdale; and his sister-in-law Doris Ragsdale and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Gale and Esther (Duncan) Ragsdale, wives Minnie Willmann and Francis Coe, his step daughter Marjorie Bartholomew, his step son-in-law Donald Swayze, two brothers Melvin and Norman Ragsdale, his brother-in-law Stephen Cessa, sister-in-law Dorothy Ragsdale.
Visitation Tuesday, November 18, 6-8 p.m. and Funeral Service, Wednesday, November 19, 11 a.m. at Bullock Mortuary 1375 E. Hampden Ave., Englewood, with interment to follow the service at Ft. Logan National Cemetery. Reception at VFW Post 9644 2680 W. Hampden Ave., Sheridan.
Howard served his country and served his community with skilled craftsmanship. Our prayers are with all of the family . Im glad I had the opportunity to spend some time with Howard.
My Uncle Howard was one of my life-long HEROES…He and my Father always seemed larger than life to me and now I will miss both of them, but I have the memories that I will always cherish of all the laughs and good times…So Long, you "OLD FART"…
LOVE, TERRY
I never had the pleasure of knowing Howard very long, but I am glad we got to meet. Him and I had a couple conversations about life. One in particular I remember was at Patricia and Jared's wedding shower. Another at their house. I know he was a special man, and caring. I wish to offer condolences to the family. The family I know will miss him dearly. Dan and Sharon