Carroll M. Ragar

Carroll M. Ragar, 83, Palmyra, Mo., passed away at 2:06 p.m, Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023, at Hannibal Regional Hospital in Hannibal, Mo.

Carroll was born Aug. 2, 1940, in rural Marion County, Mo., to Marvin Russell and Emma Margaret Daume Ragar. He was married to Mary Jo Saffarrans on Dec. 11, 1965, in Palmyra. She survives.

Other survivors include his children, Brooks Ragar, Palmyra; Robin Ragar Colgrove (Mace), Kinderhook, Ill.; and Carrie Ragar McKinney (Brian), Palmyra; brothers, Jim Ragar (Betty), Gravois Mills, Mo.; and John Ragar (Peggy); Palmyra; sister, Sarah Baxter, Palmyra; grandchildren, Colt Doyle (Emilee) Catie Dancer (Max), Case Doyle (Lauren), Casch Doyle, Ragar McKinney, Rylie McKinney (Brandon), Ryan McKinney and Renzie McKinney; great-grandchildren, Oaklee Jo Doyle, Bodie Dancer and Pax Joy Dancer, and special friends, Howard Disselhorst, Chester Bross, Brock Decker, Bob Ravenscraft and Brad McPike. Carroll also maintained a close relationship with his former son-in-law, Monty Doyle. He is also survived by his beloved dogs, Wilbur and Maverick; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Carroll was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Mary Margaret Tuley, Doris Feaster and Nadine Tuley; great-grandson, Hawk Dean Doyle; and brother, Christian Daume Ragar.

Carroll’s work ethic was second to none. He worked hard, and he worked with pride, knowing the job would be done right. 

Carroll worked his way up through the ranks in the local grocery store. He started out as a grocery bagger and carry-out for the front end, working his way into produce manager and then as butcher in the Meat Department. Later Carroll became a co-owner of Mears IGA in Palmyra. 

He was a family man, always attending the kids and grandkids sporting events, no distance too far to be there to support them. 

He was a sweet and gentle soul and although quiet in nature, he enjoyed the social aspect of parties and events with family and friends. Carroll had a close-knit group of friends who attended “prayer meetings” together, involving a favorite game of Uno or three-card rummy. 

Carroll looked forward to moments enjoying the outdoors, whether working in his yard, playing a round of golf with friends or taking trips to the Lake of the Ozarks.

He had large collections of favorite baseball caps, golf balls, and shot glasses.

Carroll was a member of First Christian Church in Palmyra.

A graveside service will be held at 5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 27, at Greenwood Cemetery in Palmyra. Pastor Mark Carpenter will officiate.

The family will host a celebration of life at Jackson Park Golf Course following the graveside service.

Pallbearers will be the grandchildren.

Honorary pallbearers will be his great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church or Jackson Park Golf Course.

Arrangements are under the direction of Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel.