705 W. Warren Street | (812) 849-2600 |

Walter Hulet RagerPassing: May 21, 2020

Service:

Mitchell Cemetery

Graveside Service

Sunday, May 24th @ 2:00 p.m.

Visitation:

Chastain Funeral Home

Sunday, May 24th @ 11:00 a.m. - 1:45 p.m.

Cemetery:

Mitchell Cemetery

Sunday, May 24th @ 2:00 p.m.

MITCHELL – Walter Hulet Rager, 89, passed away Thursday, May 21, 2020, at his residence.

Born August 23, 1930, in Monroe County, he was the son of Walter H. and Hazel E. (Rodgers) Rager, Sr.  He married Wanda Jean Cauble April 26, 1952.

Walter drove school bus #18 for 32 years for the Mitchell Community Schools.  He was also a farmer, and retired from the International Union of Operating Engineers.  Walter was a 50+ year member of the Mitchell Masonic Lodge No. 228 F&AM and Scottish Rite Valley of Indianapolis.  He graduated from Mitchell High School in 1949.

He enjoyed his dogs, shooting clay pigeons, and being at home on the farm.

Survivors:
wife,
Wanda Rager of Mitchell
children,
Monte (Pat Atkinson) Rager of Orleans
Delores “Sissy” Jolley of Mitchell
Kim (Scott) Ferguson of Mitchell
granddaughters,
Meghann, Mia, Lauren, Kenia, Mackenzie, and Aften
ten great grandchildren

His parents; son-in-law, Jeff Jolley; and siblings, Wanda Murphy and Robert Rager preceded him in death.

Graveside service will be at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 24, at Mitchell Cemetery with Pastor Dwight Dunbar officiating.

The family will receive friends after 11:00 a.m. on Sunday at Chastain Funeral Home & Cremation Center.

Memorial Gifts: White River Humane Society

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33 Guest Comments

  1. Guest: Marianne Hilgeman Stone | Winter Haven, FL
    Date: July 2, 2020
    Wanda, I am so sorry to read of your husband's passing. I have never forgotten the people I knew when I was married to Dennis. Your mother and father were always great to us as were you. God Bless, Marianne Hilgeman (now Stone)
  2. Guest: Shawna Williams | Bedford, In
    Date: June 1, 2020
    Walter was my bus driver for nearly 10 years. He always had a well controlled bus and we always felt safe. Praying for you Wanda during this difficult time.
  3. Guest: Bob and Julie Fischer and LaDean Boone | Noblesville, IN
    Date: May 26, 2020
    Wanda and family, we are so sorry to hear of Walter's passing. We are praying for peace and comfort for all of you. Love, LaDean, and Julie & Bob
  4. Guest: Ted Powell | Bloomington, Indiana
    Date: May 26, 2020
    After High School, we kind of lost track with one another but I remember coming to your home meeting your great family! I remember that you and Gary Pruett attended our wedding. Your Dad was a funny man. I enjoyed being around him. I am so sorry that Jody and I will not be able to attend visitation as I have Jody at Mayo in Jacksonville but know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! ❤
  5. Guest: Bill Kittle | Dripping Springs Tx 78620
    Date: May 26, 2020
    Monte, Please accept my sincere condolences. I'll always remember him as being so proud of his Charolais cattle. He was a fine man.
  6. Guest: Pam Johnson Pinto | Coatesville, IN
    Date: May 25, 2020
    Monte, my heart is heavy for you, Pat, and your family. It's rough losing a parent. Cherish the memories.
  7. Guest: James and Sharon Nash | Mitchell, Indiana
    Date: May 24, 2020
    Our thoughts and prayers for you and your family in the loss of your husband, Mr. Rager. Jim and Sharon Nash
  8. Guest: Lauren Rager | Ocala, Florida
    Date: May 24, 2020
    I send my love, hugs, & prayers to my family in Indiana. Papaw Rager was such a pleasant man, easy going, & always open to listening to his grandchildren. I will always remember how excited I was when he pulled up to our house in the big yellow school bus, & loved seeing his unforgettable smile on his face. We always looked forward to going to their house playing on the school bus & on the farm. After we moved to Florida, I made it a priority to not only stay in contact via phone but always go out to Mamaw & Papaw Rager’s house when I came home. My visits to Indiana sure won’t be the same without you being there to hug & tell you my accomplishment, but we will have many great memories to talk about. I love you Papaw Rager
  9. Guest: Larry Kidwell | Orleans, In
    Date: May 24, 2020
    So sorry for your loss. Great man
  10. Guest: Beth Chastain Pattison | New Smyrna Beach, Fl
    Date: May 24, 2020
    Monte, Pat, and your family: My sincere condolences to you all. We were all so fortunate to have grown up in Mitchell with such loving families and friends. I think of you and our friendships often. Some of my favorite memories were made with you. May your memories sustain you during the grief you feel during your recent loss. I hope we will see each other again sometime to reminisce.
  11. Guest: Mike and Rita Ramey | Bedford, In. 47421
    Date: May 23, 2020
    Sorry to hear about Walter, great guy, hard worker for sure.. Prayers to all Mike and Rita
  12. Guest: Mary Jo Losey | Bedford, In
    Date: May 23, 2020
    Wanda & family, so sorry to hear about Walter. Our thoughts & prayers are with you. Mick & Mary Jo Losey
  13. Guest: betty barlow | carmel, in
    Date: May 23, 2020
    My deepest symphonies to you and your family during these difficult times.
  14. Guest: Linda Fitzpatrick | Bedford, Indiana
    Date: May 23, 2020
    So sorry to hear about Walter! Thinking of you,
  15. Guest: Gail Rager | Plymouth, MN
    Date: May 23, 2020
    I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Uncle Walter. He was always so much fun to be around with a good sense of humor and just a real nice man. My thoughts and prayers are with you all for comfort, strength, and peace at this difficult time. Sorry, I can not be there, but in my heart I will be. God Bless You...
  16. Guest: Debbie Pemberton | Mitchell, In
    Date: May 23, 2020
    Sissy, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers 🙏🏻
  17. Guest: Wendy (Rager) & Kevin Derhaag, boys | Belle Plaine, MN
    Date: May 23, 2020
    Thinking of you Aunt Wanda and the family. So sorry for your loss. Hugs!!! Wish I could be there to give you a big hug in person. I guess that will have to wait until maybe later this summer or Thanksgiving time. Love, Wendy
  18. Guest: jerry l williams | Indpls ind
    Date: May 23, 2020
    Wanda I am so sorry to learn of Jr's passing. I last saw him somewhere in town some 20 yrs ago. I hope you are doing well.
  19. Guest: Bob Plew | Shelbyville, IN 46176
    Date: May 23, 2020
    Wanda I was so sorry to to hear of your loss. I remember you and Jun so well. Even after we moved away from Mitchell 54 years ago, the The Rager family and the Murphy family remained in my mind and heart. A big hug comes with this message. Bob Plew
  20. Guest: Nancy Miller | Mitchell, IN
    Date: May 23, 2020
    Walter was one of the most pleasant gentlemen who came in my office. You have my deepest sympathy.
  21. Guest: Barbara & Gary Blevins | Mitchell, IN
    Date: May 23, 2020
    Wanda and Family, so very sorry for your loss. Love and Prayers for such a Special Family. God Bless
  22. Guest: Eva Cornwell Russell | Carmichael, California
    Date: May 23, 2020
    enjoyed lots of card game and good snacks
  23. Guest: Doug Earl | Mitchell In.
    Date: May 22, 2020
    Very sorry to hear about Walter, spent quite a bit of time with him and Dad always alot of stories and laughter with them. He will be missed!
  24. Guest: Pamela Bartlett | Mitchell
    Date: May 22, 2020
    Were so sorry to hear about Walter. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.May God keep you strong and safe. Your friends Pam & Jim Bartlett
  25. Guest: Phyllis Mundy | Mitchell, IN
    Date: May 22, 2020
    So sorry for your loss! We will keep you in our prayers. Nobe&phyllis Mundy
  26. Guest: Kittie McLain | Mitchell
    Date: May 22, 2020
    Wanda. I'm so sorry for your, and the family's loss. Walter will be missed by all who knew him. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers through this difficult time.
  27. Guest: Sarah Mundy Paynter and Dale | Atlanta
    Date: May 22, 2020
    Sorry to hear about your Husband Wanda. I will be thinking about you all.
  28. Guest: Michelle Porter | Orleans, IN
    Date: May 22, 2020
    So sorry for your loss. Walter was a nice fellow. Keeping your family in my prayers.
  29. Guest: Jerry & Judy Stevens | Mitchell, Indiana
    Date: May 22, 2020
    Wanda & Kim and families - so sorry to learn of Walter's passing. He was great man & your families have many great memories to recall. May The Good Lord hold you all in His Hands of mercy at this sad time..
  30. Guest: Larry and Connie Smith | Mitchell
    Date: May 22, 2020
    Wanda and family, so sorry for the loss of Walter. Our thoughts are with you.
  31. Guest: Judy Yarbrough | Jasper ind
    Date: May 22, 2020
    Wanda and family, We are so sorry to hear about Rager, you are in our thoughts. ...Dennis and Judy
  32. Guest: Rodger Quackenbush | Orleans, Indiana
    Date: May 22, 2020
    Monte, Sorry for your loss.
  33. Guest: Janet and Charlie | Mitchell
    Date: May 22, 2020
    Wanda and family. Was sorry to hear of Walters passing. He was a good buddy to Charlie. We were just wondering about him a few days ago. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.