It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved retired brother, Claude Ragsdale, on May 1st, 2026.
Brother Ragsdale spent over three decades serving American Airlines, beginning his career in 1967. His dedication and expertise led him to the esteemed position of Crew Chief Overhaul Mechanic, Machinist, a role he held with distinction until his retirement in 2001.
Throughout his life and career, Brother Ragsdale was an exemplary member of our union family. His commitment to fairness, justice, and the well-being of all workers was unwavering.
As we mourn the loss of this remarkable individual, we offer our deepest condolences to his loved ones, particularly the Ragsdale family. May they find comfort in the memories and legacy he left behind.
Rest in Peace, Brother Claude
Claude Edward Ragsdale
1938 – 2026
Claude Edward Ragsdale entered into our Heavenly Father’s arms on Friday, May 1st, 2026, ten days shy of his and his beloved wife, Christina’s, 63rd wedding anniversary. Affectionately known as “Spider” to his lifelong friends, he was a man of strong faith and conviction.
Claude was born at home in Midlothian, Oklahoma, on November 12th, 1938 to Grandville Ellsworth Ragsdale and Gertrude Leota “Gertie” Ragsdale (Edmonson). A true “Okie”, his family soon moved to Madera, California, briefly returning to Oakhurst, Oklahoma, and then hitching a ride with a young soldier to Fresno, California, where Gertie’s family had settled. Following the birth of his sister, Betty, the family traveled back to Oklahoma, eventually settling at the Phillips Ranch in Sand Springs.
During his youth, Claude worked alongside his brother at Angus Valley Farms. The boys contributed their wages to the family household, receiving a small allowance from their mother in return. His professional path took shape at Tulsa Winch where he began as a machining apprentice. This launched a successful career as an aeronautical machinist and crew chief for American Airlines, where he worked for 34 years before retiring in 2001. Claude also served in the Oklahoma National Guard as a vehicle mechanic from 1960 to 1966.
Claude married Christina “Tina” (Chelf) on May 11th, 1963 at Limestone Baptist Church. Their love for each other was a true testament of devotion and service.
Claude’s second love in life was fishing. At five years old, he would disappear for hours to the pasture pond where he would fish without thought to time or his mother’s worry. As a young man, Claude shared a deep bond with a group of friends who accompanied him on many fishing, hunting, frog gigging, and hot-rod racing adventures. As he grew older, new men, much younger, eagerly joined the fellowship of fishermen to learn from Claude. He loved spending a day on the water with good company. Despite his gentle spirit and corny humor, fishing with Claude was not for the faint of heart. He masterfully navigated his favorite lakes and rivers, often at full throttle, subsisting on a diet of bologna sandwiches, Honey Buns, cookies, and Diet Pepsi. His last fishing trip was with his grandsons where they caught 42 sand bass; he would later describe it as a perfect day.
Claude is survived by his wife, Christina, their two children, daughter Tammy Matlock and husband Monty Matlock of Stillwater and son, Robert Ragsdale, and wife, Stacey Ragsdale (Elliott) of Watertown, South Dakota; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; his brother Bobby Ragsdale and his sisters, Linda Jennings and Shirley Dobson. He is preceded in death by his parents, Grandville and Gertrude Ragsdale; sisters Betty Brown and Wanda Christmas; and three precious infant sons, Tracy, Timothy, and Travis Ragsdale.
The memorial service will be held at Limestone Baptist Church on May 8th at 11 AM. In honor of Claude, please break from your busy schedule, eat a Honey Bun, and go fishing.
Flowers may be delivered between 8:00AM and 10:00 AM the morning of the service to Limestone Baptist Church 3609 S 137th W Ave, Sand Springs, OK 74063.