Bob L. Ragsdale, age 88, of Xenia, Illinois, passed away Sunday, April 12, 2015, at Good Samaritan RHC in Mt. Vernon, Illinois.

   Bob was born May 27, 1926 in Seminole, Oklahoma to James Clifton and Connie Leigh (Haley) Ragsdale.  He served his country during World War II in the U.S. Army.  Bob married his lifetime sweetheart, Jacqueline “Jackie” Bennett, on November 12, 1945 in St. Elmo and together they shared 69 anniversaries together and raised a family.  He was a hardworking mechanic, operating Bob’s Garage in Xenia, and was a true D.I.Y.er (do-it-yourselfer).  Bob also farmed, raised cattle, and enjoyed fishing on his pond.

   He is survived by his wife: Jackie Ragsdale of Xenia; 2 daughters: Brenda (George) Wintrode of Andrews, IN and Connie (Bob) Pieplow of Xenia; 5 grandchildren: Kelly (Kelly) Forth of Nashville, TN, Steven (Ann) Forth of Andrews, IN, Eva (Marty) Fatheree of Flora, Holly (Ken) Wathan-Green of Evanston, Daniel (Sheena) Wathan of Lakeland, FL; 9 great-grandchildren: Sean, Chad and Nicole Hubble, Amy, Jacob and John Forth, Alexandra, Nicholas and Elliot Forth; 1 brother: Ron Ragsdale of St. Elmo; 3 sisters: June Weaver of Lima, OH, Patricia (Duane) Storm of Mt. Zion, Sue (Jerry) Murphey of Ocala, FL; along with many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers: Marvin Ragsdale and James Donald Ragsdale; and 2 sisters: Betty King and Okema Rhodes.

   A funeral service for Bob Ragsdale will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 16, 2015, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.  Interment will be in Powers Cemetery with military honors.  Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Frank & Bright Funeral Home.  Memorial donations may be made to Powers General Baptist Church and will be received at the funeral home.