Jack Allen Rager

Jack Allen Rager, 84, of Coshocton passed away at the Coshocton County Memorial Hospital on Saturday February 5, 2011 due to complications after a fall outside his home on January 2, 2011. Jack was born on July 15, 1926 in Coshocton to the late Ernest C. and Stella A. (Swigert) Rager. Jack graduated from Coshocton High School in 1944 then enlisted in the US Navy, serving in World War II on board the USS ALSHAIN (AKA-55) and the USS VEGA (AK-17) at Okinawa Shima, Japan. He was awarded the Bronze Star in the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign and was honorably discharged in 1946. Upon returning home, he married Wanda Lavonne Simmons who survives. Jack was employed at Coshocton Carnation, General Electric and Nickel's Bakery. From 1970 until 1987, he owned and operated Rager's Food Market in West Lafayette, Ohio. Jack was a member of the V.F.W, the Masonic Lodge, the Scottish Rite, York Rite and the Central Christian Church. Jack was preceded in death by his parents; half-sister Juanita (Virgil) Pierce; and half-brother Bernard Latier. Jack is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Wanda; son Thomas Rager of Heath, OH and former wife Carolyn Rager; daughter Connie Speaks of Las Cruces, NM; sisters Maxine (Carl) Neiss of Cambridge and Jo Ann (Charles) Van Dusen of Coshocton; grandchildren, Melissa and Andrew Rager, J.C. and Corey Speaks; and two great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Friends may call at Miller Funeral Home, 639 Main St., Coshocton on Wednesday, February 9, 2011 from 12-1 pm where funeral services will begin at 1:00 PM with Rev. Philip Hunt officiating. Burial will follow in South Lawn Cemetery where Coshocton County Veterans Council will perform military honors. In lieu of flowers, friends may donate to the Central Christian Church, 731 Main Street, Coshocton, Ohio 43812, envelopes will be available at the funeral home.