Kermit L. Ragsdale, 87, Paducah, died July 12, 2009, 11:40 p.m., at Western Baptist Hospital.

He was a member of New Greater Love Missionary Baptist Church and a retiree of the Kentucky Highway Department.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Katie Tyler Ragsdale; a son, Richard Cleo Ragsdale; a brother; and three sisters.

He is survived by three sons, Terry Ragsdale of Paducah; and Wayne Ragsdale and Bobby Ragsdale, both of Vicksburg, MS; three step-sons, Edward Tyler and Leroy Tyler, both of Detroit, MI; and John Tyler of Paducah; three daughters Deloris Ragsdale Elliott of Cincinnati, OH; Frankie Ragsdale Drew and Connie Ragsdale Smith, both of Paducah; four step-daughters, Edna Tyler Allen, Ellener Tyler Deboe, and Ella Tyler Mayes, all of Paducah; Mamie Tyler Austin of Ft. Myers, FL; one sister Theresa Ragsdale Washington of Detroit, MI; thirty-one Grandchildren, fifty-four Great-Grandchildren; four Great, Great Grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Services are scheduled for 1:00 p.m., Friday, July 17, 2009, at New Greater Love Missionary Baptist Church, 1249 North 12th Street, Paducah. Reverend W.G. Harvey will officiate, and burial will follow in Maplelawn Park Cemetery.

The family will receive visitors from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2009, at Pettus-Rowland Funeral Home and again on Friday at the church from 11:00 a.m. until the funeral hour.