Dr. William Darby Ragan

87, Indianapolis, died peacefully at dawn on November 11, 2014 surrounded by family. He is survived by a loving wife, Patricia Lou Wilson Ragan, married 57 years; and three loving children, William C. (Kelly), Darby R. (Timothy) Casady and Melissa R. (Dr. John) Baker. He also leaves behind seven adoring grandchildren, Joseph R. Casady, Peter M. Casady, Samuel W. Baker, Sophia Baker, Benjamin M. Ragan, Lily Ragan and Elisabeth Ragan; and his sister, Bonita M. Ragan Kesling.

Dr. Ragan was a proud Indianapolis resident for over 80 years. Son of a Presbyterian minister, Dr. Virgil D. Ragan, Dr. �"Bill” Ragan graduated from Shortridge High School and received a B.S. from Butler University. He served in the US Army before attending and graduating from Indiana University School of Medicine in 1954.

He served in private practice from 1959 â€" 1971 with Doctors John Mackey and Charles Gillespie and joined the Indiana University OB/GYN staff as Professor Emeritus in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology from 1972-992. Dr. Ragan was a pioneer in OB/GYN ultrasound technology and a leader in Indiana maternal mortality research. After retirement, he continued to work on mortality cases.

Dr. Ragan taught IU residents and delivered over 4,000 hoosier babies. He belonged to ISMA, the Central Association of OB/GYN and the Contemporary Club of Indianapolis.

He received many awards. Among there are the Diplomat and Examiner, American Board of OB/GYN; Former President, Indiana Section American College of OB/GYN; Wyeth, Ayerst President’s Community Service Award; Munsick/Ragan Outstanding Faculty Award, Indiana University resident class of 1992; Chairman, Maternal Mortality Committee of Indiana.

Although his awards were numerous, he lists his roles as son, father, husband and life-long member of the Presbyterian Church as most important.

Dr. Ragan has served as an active member and Elder at Second Presbyterian Church. He has devoted his life to service and family and has dedicated his life to Jesus Christ. He will be missed.