Robert M. Ragan - Obituary

r. Robert Ragan, University of Maryland Professor Emeritus of Civil and Environmental Engineering, died on September 11, 2026 in Annapolis, Maryland from complications of a stroke. Dr. Ragan was born at Fort Sam Houston, Texas to Robert E. and Mabel Pearce Ragan. He grew up as an “army brat” attending twenty-one schools ranging from a one-room schoolhouse in East Texas to the American High School in Yokohama, Japan. Following in the tradition of his father’s army career, he attended the Virginia Military Institute. A few days after graduation, he married the love of his life and VMI Ring Figure date, Gail Rinker of Alexandria, VA. His initial career began as a second lieutenant in the Army Core of Engineers. After leaving active duty he went on to receive a master’s degree from MIT and a PhD from Cornell University. Bob thrived in the university environment, beginning his long career as a professor at the University of Vermont then moving to the University of Maryland where he taught and conducted research until his retirement in 1998. He also served several years as the Chairman of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, holding the chair position of Ben Dyer Centennial Professor. After retiring, he and Gail moved to Heritage Harbor in Annapolis. Together they broadened their love of skiing to include the resorts of Colorado, took up golf, and traveled around the world visiting 52 countries. Gail, his wife of 62 years, preceded him in death in 2017. He is survived by son Mark Ragan and daughter-in-law Beth Simmons of Edgewater, MD; son Bruce Ragan; daughter Kathy Childs of Colorado; two grandchildren, Rachel and Gabe of Colorado; two great granddaughters, and wonderful nieces and nephews. Online condolences may be made using the Memories tab on this page.