Douglas Rand Ragusa, son of Ruby Evangeline (Aaron) and Breezie Alton Ragusa Sr., was born in Alexandria, La. on Nov. 13, 1943. His family ultimately settled in Lake Charles, La. He was a graduate of Lake Charles High and attended Louisiana State University and Tulane University. While working for the City of Lake Charles Mayor’s Office, Doug helped to push the Highway 171 expansion to four lanes from Lake Charles to Shreveport as well as the reconstitution of Chennault Air Force Base, now called the Chennault International Airport, to spur local economic development. 

Through the years, Doug was passionate about LSU sports, supporting the Arts Council of Louisiana, and renaming Interstate 210 in Lake Charles to the Douglas B. Fournet Memorial Parkway as well as the dedication of the Douglas B. Fournet Memorial, which is located in Veterans Memorial Park at the Lake Charles Civic Center. 

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Breezie Alton Ragusa Sr. and Ruby Evangeline (Aaron) Ragusa; brother, John Thomas (Tom) Ragusa; brother, Breezie Alton Ragusa Jr.; sister, Margaret Landry (Ragusa); and daughter, Christy Suzanne King (Ragusa). 

He is survived by his children, Rand Ragusa, Brad Ragusa, and Peter Ragusa, and grandchildren, Gabriella Ragusa, Miles Ragusa, Jacob Ragusa, Robert King, Evangeline Ragusa, and Aspen Ragusa. 

The memorial service is planned for Saturday, March 30, 2024 2 p.m. at First Methodist Church, 812 Kirkman St., Lake Charles, La. Visitation is from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Cremation was entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider St. Jude Foundation donations. Further details can be found on the Johnson Funeral Home website.

Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneral home.net.