Morris Ragus Obituary

Age 87, passed away on October 10, 2023, a resident of Pittsburgh, PA.  He was born in Transylvania, LA on June 17,1936, a son of the late Edwin H. and Mabel Ragus and a brother to two late siblings, Herman Ragus and Claire Tweety.

He is survived by his wife, Sally (Kramer) of 31 years; his 3 children, Susan Gordon (Tim), Robert Ragus (Maria), and Roxanne Dohner (Tim); 10 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and his two cats, Mango and Bodhi.

Morris graduated from the Kentucky Military Institute in 1954.  He then served in the Army for 20 years Retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer. While in the military, he served 2 tours of duty in Vietnam, in Alaska, and in Tehran, Iran.  He was a Master Parachutist.  He also completed the US Army Intelligence School and trained by the 902nd Military Intelligence Collection Department in polygraph. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Bronze Aperture. He was recognized by the President of the United States as a Military Debriefer during the return of the POWs from Vietnam. He received Lethal Weapons training and served as a Counterintelligence Special Agent.

After his military service he received a MA Degree in Criminal Justice from Norwich University. He worked as a Polygraph Examiner for the PA Attorney General’s Office and his own private practice. Morris also worked for the FBI in the BICS program.  In addition to these, he received multiple awards and certificates for various endeavors.

His other accomplishments include being a member of the Shriners Organization, a Master Mason for more than 50 years, MOAA (Military Officers Association of America), the American Polygraph Association, and served as VP of the PA Polygraph Association, President of the PA Chapter of Foreign Intelligence Officers, Polygraph Consultant for the Center for MIA/POW Accountability, an Adjunct Polygraph Instructor with the Criminal Justice Dept. of HACC., a Security Representative of the Franklin Mint.

He designed and developed a Background/Employment Screening and Selection Technique which allows the “user” to analyze and evaluate a person’s background history, any history of dishonesty and drug abuse, using a numerical scoring system to determine that person’s potential risk factor.

Morris was a master storyteller. His morning jaunt to Starbucks in his freshly starched shirt for his Venti Chai Latte was known by his neighbors and friends. He will be missed by his family, friends and colleagues.

All are welcome on Saturday, October 14, 2023 from 10 AM until the time of his Funeral Service at 1 PM, William Slater II Funeral Service, 1650 Greentree Rd., Scott Twp., 412-563-2800. Interment private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Morris’ name may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306.

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