Edward E. Rager, age 81, of Gambier, passed away on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at his residence.
He was born on September 28, 1943, in Leipsic, Ohio to the late Charles and Esther (Bennett) Rager. Moving to Knox County when he was six years old.
Edward graduated from Howard High School in 1961, where he participated in sports year-round. He also graduated from Mount Vernon Business School with a degree in accounting.
He was a 19-year active member of Millwood Church of Christ. Edward also served as an Elder and Deacon for Grove Church of Christ. Taught youth and adult Sunday school classes. He retired after 30 years of service at Knox County Water and Wastewater Dept., 10 years with Coopers, 7 years at Gambier Village, 5 years with Centerburg Water Dept., bus driver for Head Start and many other jobs in his post-retirement. After his retirement, you could find him mowing in perfect circles in his pristine yard!
Edward was an avid gun and hunting enthusiast and was a life member of the NRA and Knox Hand Gunners Club. He coached his boys in Little League for many years. Edward was always found in the stands cheering on each grandkid for all sports and academic activities.
Edward is survived by his wife and high school sweetheart, Barbara Woolison Rager of 61 years. They were bride and groom of the year in 1963 and received many wonderful gifts from retailers in Mount Vernon. Together they had 2 sons, Mike (Deena) Rager and Dave (Danyell) Rager; 6 grandchildren, Erica (Josh) Beltz, Lindsey (Austin) Bragg, Seth (Eliza) Rager, Grant (Fiancée – Leona) Rager, Luke (Mady) Rager, Leah (Fiancé – Shane White) Rager; 7 great-grandchildren, Collin, Addisyn and Alice Beltz; Everett and Ellowyn Bragg; Parker and Edward Rager, with one to arrive this year; also survived by brother-in-law, Dick (Kathy) Woolison of Athens and many nieces and nephews.
Edward was preceded in death by a brother, Cliff Rager.
Edward was very proud of his family and their accomplishments. He was a friend to everyone and a very kind and humble Christian man. He will be missed by his loving wife, family and all who knew him.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, from 10:30 – 11:30 AM – Millwood Church of Christ, 10900 Millersburg Rd., Howard, Ohio. Funeral services will follow at 11:30 AM with Evangelist Dave Jones and Evangelist Paul Ponchot officiating. Burial will be in Union Grove Cemetery.
The Snyder Funeral Home – Lasater Chapel is handling the services for the Rager family.
To express a condolence to the Rager family, please visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com