Herman Lee Ragland

Herman Lee Ragland, 97, of Talihina, OK passed away Wednesday, August 19, 2015 in Ft. Smith, AR.  Herman was born June 13, 1918 in LeFlore, OK to John W. & Clara (Wyatt) Ragland.  He was a veteran of the US Army serving in WWII.  He worked at the nuclear branch of the US Naval Ammunition Depot in McAlester, OK.  Herman was preceded in death by his parents; 3 sisters, Zula Cook, Evelyn Mullins and Lois Roberts; brothers, Harley, and Arley.

Herman was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church of Hartshorne, OK where he served as Sunday School teacher and as a deacon for many years.  He graduated from LeFlore High School in 1935 at the age of 16.  He also attended Eastern Oklahoma A&M College at Wilburton before joining the Army in the late 1930's.   He completed his service but re-enlisted during WWII and was deployed to Italy. 

Immediately following the war, he resumed working at the Naval Ammunition Depot at McAlester.  Upon retirement from the Depot, he had reached the position of "Head of Nuclear Weapons Branch".  With the ending of that phase of  his career, he pursued his dream of raising cattle at Cedar Creek Hill.   Cattle ranching  was very important to him.  Herman loved spending time with his family whether it was working with cattle, fishing, hunting or just visiting with them. 

Survivors include his wife of 75 years, Estelle Ragland of Talihina, OK; daughters & sons in law, Janet & Dale Riley of Eufaula, OK, Susan & Reed Heflin of Oologah, OK; sons & daughter in law, Thomas Lee Ragland of San Diego, CA, Jerry & Brenda Ragland of Broken Bow, OK; grandchildren & spouses, Tim & Lauren Ragland, Bryan Mary Ann Riley, Brent Heflin, Stephannie Ragland, Andra & Greg Pinkston and Linden & Sasha Down; 7 great grandchildren, Erin, Daylen and Anderson Riley, Mason & Matthew Ragland, Cole & Logan Pinkston; 3 sisters, Bobbie Duncan, Imogene Huckabee, Margaret McNiel; brother, Doyle Ragland of Poteau, OK; other relatives, loved ones and friends.

Services will be 1 pm Saturday, August 22, 2015 at First Baptist Church, LeFlore, OK with Rev. Larry Matthiesen officiating.  Interment will follow in LeFlore Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be  Thomas Ragland, Jerry Ragland,  Dale Riley, Reed Heflin, Tim Ragland,  Bryan Riley.  

      You may come to the church at noon to visit with family and view prior to the service.