Dan Ragan Obituary, Death – Dan Alexander Ragan was born on July 26, 1933, and he passed away on November 12, 2022, due to a fatal accident. His wife of 62 years, June, and his twin brother, Don, are the only ones he leaves behind. In addition to June’s numerous nieces and nephews, who adored him as their own uncle, he is survived by his nephew Kenneth Ragan, Jr., as well as his nieces Cynthia Ragan Henning, Laura Ragan Chatham, and Karen Ragan Smith. He is also survived by his nephew Kenneth Ragan, Sr. On both families, there are a significant number of great nieces and nephews. His grandparents, Stuart Eston Ragan and Virginia Ragan, as well as his brother Kenneth Ragan and sister Gloria Nylen, all passed away before he was born.
Dan served in the navy as an aviator when he was younger. His duty required him to conduct surveillance over the Pacific Ocean as well as the Straits of Taiwan and the countries that border China. It was there that he first discovered his passion for flying and airplanes. He worked on dozens upon dozens of World War II models over the course of his career. He was so proud of his cherished B-17 that he decided to build a big replica of it and give it to the Gulf Coast Wing of the Commemorative Air Force. At the time of his fatal accident, he was a passenger aboard that airplane.
Dan obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Oklahoma State University. He then went on to earn his Master of Business Administration from Southern Methodist University. When Dan joined Sigma Chi at Oklahoma State University and eventually became a Life Loyal Sig, he felt a sense of accomplishment and pride.
Dan was a devout follower of the Presbyterian faith and attended the First Presbyterian Church in Salt Lake City. He was quite involved in the life of both of his churches, serving as a deacon, an elder, and as a Boy Scout Leader. He also enjoyed working as an usher since it gave him the opportunity to meet and talk to individuals as they entered the building. Dan was devoted to the Utah Symphony and served as an officer in the Utah Symphony Guild, where he was responsible for helping to organize activities that raised money for the orchestra.
He had completed multiple trips throughout the world due to his passion for exploring new places. He has traveled to over one hundred different countries and all seven continents, the majority of which were for work purposes but also for enjoyment. Because he had spent his early years in the navy in Asia, he had a special fondness for the region, and once he retired, he and June never stopped traveling. They still keep in touch with a large number of acquaintances they made while living in Hong Kong. Skiing, observing birds, listening to large bands, and putting together jigsaw puzzles were some of Dan’s favorite activities. In addition to the fact that he was a dapper dresser at all times, he enjoyed the ritual of getting dressed up for formal events.
After living in Salt Lake City for 33 years, Dan and June relocated back to Dallas so that they could be closer to their families. June is thankful to be surrounded by compassionate personnel (from the executive level all the way down to the front desk) and residents at the Edgemere community, which could not be any kinder, lovinger, or more supportive. A private burial with full Navy honors is scheduled, and details on a subsequent memorial service will be provided at a later date.