Robert Eugene Hager Sr.

1946 - 2009

Robert Eugene Hager Sr., 62, husband of Leslie (Low) Hager, of 720 Cherry Hill Drive, Staunton, Va., passed away Sunday morning, January 25, 2009, after a long battle of cancer in the Augusta Medical Center, Fishersville. Mr. Hager was born on December 3, 1946, in Christiansburg, a son of the late Okie Ellis and Virgie (Meadows) Hager. In addition to his parents, Mr. Hager was preceded in death by two brothers, Charles Arthur Hager and Bobby Ray Hager. He was a Life Member of the Virginia Jaycees, the Botetourt Jaycees, served on the Advisory Board of Camp Virginia Jaycee and was a member of the original Botetourt "J" Clowns. Robert received the U.S. JCI Senator award which is the highest award given to a Jaycee, was in the Camp Virginia Hall-of-Fame and while living in Roanoke, he was recognized by the City Mayor as the citizen of the day, "Robert E. Hager Sr. Day". Mr. Hager was retired from the City of Roanoke as a city gardener. Surviving in addition to his wife, survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Robert Eugene Jr. and wife, Denise Hager, of Roanoke, Keith Russell and wife, Jean Hager, of DeKalb, Ill.; a daughter and son-in-law, Lisa Gail and husband, Edward Wilcox, also of DeKalb, Ill.; a stepson, Warren Jay Boothe, of Staunton; a brother, Tommy E. Hager and a sister, Linda (Hager) Russo, both of Winchester; six grandchildren; eight step grandchildren and three nephews also survive. A memorial service celebrating Robert's life will be conducted 7 p.m. Tuesday evening in the Coffman Funeral Home Chapel by Chaplain Mark A. Westebee. The family will receive friends following the service. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Virginia Jaycees. It is suggested those desiring make memorial contributions to the AMC Hospice of the Shenandoah, 64 Sports Medicine Drive, Fishersville, Va. 22939, the American Cancer Society, 1920 Medical Ave Harrisonburg, Va. 22801 or Camp Virginia Jaycee, P.O. Box 648, Blue Ridge, Va. 24064. Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive Staunton, is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.coffman funeralhome.net.