Wade Louis Ragas

He was preceded in death by his father Villeor B. Ragas, his mother Mabel Cosse Ragas, his five brothers and sisters, Iola, Mabel, Raymond, Anthony, and Nona; his uncle Louis Ragas, who cared for him and his family after his father’s death when Wade was only three years old. He was preceded in death also by his first wife of 27 years, Noella Evelyn Tournier in 1973.

He is survived by his current wife of 39 years Lorena Decareaux Ragas, his children Wade Ronald Ragas (Yvette), Susan Ragas Price (Andy) and stepson Patrick Decareaux. Wade was blessed with nine grandchildren: Christopher Price (Kate), Kimberly Price (fiance Jon), Taylor Price, Kellie Price Rothman (Elisha), Matthew Ragas (Traci), Joshua Ragas, David Decareaux, Will Decareaux and Lauren Decareaux. He was the proud great-grandfather of Hannah Rothman, Sarah Rothman, Zachary Rothman, Caleb Rothman and Aiden Rothman, with another two great-grandchildren due soon.

Wade was a gifted student and in high school at St. Aloysius played football, baseball and basketball on district championship teams. Brother Martin himself gave Wade a full scholarship to Aloysius, which opened the doors of education for him.

He joined the United States Marine Corps shortly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Wade went through the ranks to earn the title of Master Sgt. He was a B-25 Bomber in the South Pacific, Solomon Island in the Philippines and many other Island chains to Okinawa, navigating over the expanses of the Pacific by the stars and his math skills. He was shot down once over the Leyte Gulf. Wade received the Presidential Unit Citation as well as received three invasion campaign medals. After World War II and during the Korean War he continued as a reservist navigator/bombardier.

After the War he was hired by J. Aron Coffee and Sugar Company where he helped direct all transportation by sea, rail and truck of sugar and coffee to many national firms, including all A&P Stores in the U.S. He graduated from Soule Business College and attended Tulane.

For over 40 years, Wade L. Ragas was active in real estate sales and financing for the Gallinghouse and Bordelon firm in addition to his work as a traffic manager at J. Aron Co. He was past commander of the American Legion and past treasurer of the Metairie Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was active in the New Orleans Traffic club and organized numerous philanthropic programs. Wade also enjoyed his time as a member of the Pete Fountain Walking Club, member of the Krewe of Argus, World Trade Club, New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and the NTDA.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to the compassionate care of Nina Wilson and Bonnie Toups.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral mass on Monday, December 10, 2018 at 1:00pm in the Chapel of Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 11:00am. Interment to follow at All Saints Mausoleum in Metairie Cemetery.

The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com