M.K. Hage Jr.

M.K. Hage, Jr. Of Austin, died December 27, 2007, at Brackenridge Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Services will be held Wednesday, January 2, at 11 a.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church. He is survived by four daughters and their families: Doug and Patti Hage Hirsh, Sara, Jeffrey, and Ryan Hirsh, Charlotte Hage Nacozy, James and Elizabeth Nacozy Wessel, and Kathleen Nacozy, Robin Suzanne Hage, Larry and Jennifer Hage Bond, Juliana, Kelly, and Jonathan Bond. He is also survived by his sister, Christine Hage Fidel; and brothers- in-law: Michel Fidel and Joe Jamail. Mr. Hage was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Nettie Cecilia Shia Hage; his son, M.K. Hage, III; and sister, Lee Hage Jamail. Born on May 28, 1925 in Austin, he grew up swimming at Barton Springs and running through the lobby of the Driskill Hotel to make deliveries for his father's store. M.K. graduated from San Marcos Baptist Academy and began his college studies at Texas A&M University. He proudly volunteered to serve in the United States Air Force during World War II and was a member of the Bomber Group Service in England. For his bravery in battle during the war, M.K. was awarded the Silver Star. Mr. Hage graduated from the University of Texas with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a Master's Degree in School Administration. He taught in the Austin Independent School system for five years and was the principal at Matthews and Highland Park Elementary Schools for eleven years. He researched teacher education and curriculum and wrote two children's books on Texas history and elementary education. He published more than a dozen articles on teaching and school administration that became statewide templates to improve education and teacher training. As a member of the first Governor's Committee on Public School Education, Mr. Hage helped author provisions presented to the state legislature to improve education in Texas for all school children. A trustee for the Austin Independent School District for twelve years, he was also elected President of the Austin School Board and led the Austin Independent School District. He also directed his passion for education by assisting in the establishment of Austin Community College serving as a trustee for eight years. As a philanthropist, Mr. Hage was known for his generosity. M.K. was a longtime supporter of The University of Texas at Austin, particularly the College of Education, the School of Nursing, and the Blanton Museum of Art. Endowments were established by M.K. or in his honor in Education, Music, and Fine Arts including: The M.K. Hage, Jr. Professorship in Education, The M.K. Hage, Jr. Centennial Visiting Professorship in Fine Arts, The M.K. Hage, Jr. Centennial Visiting Professorship in Music and The M.K. Hage, Jr. Endowed Scholarship in Fine Arts. His support and feeling for the Episcopal Church was life-long and his love for All Saints Church was heartfelt. Everyone who knew M.K. was aware of his generous spirit and loving nature. Mr. Hage was a true visionary. Fascinated by science and medical advances, he focused his energies on the development of Medical Park Tower, Austin Doctors' Building, and Bailey Square Medical Building and Surgical Center. It was this last venture that he was particularly proud. As the founder and managing general partner, his design and subsequent development became the prototype for outpatient surgical healthcare. Not only was it the largest facility of its kind in the nation, providing for more than 12,000 patients annually, but it also delivered care at the lowest average cost in the nation. Pallbearers will be: Jeffrey and Ryan Hirsh, Dahr, Randall, and Rob Jamail and James Wessel. Honorary Pallbearers are: Doug Hirsh, Larry Bond, Joe Jamail, George Shia, Michel, Mitch and Todd Fidel and Harrison Fresch. The Hage family appreciates the professionals from the Austin EMS, Fire, and Police Departments who came to Mr. Hage's aid so quickly. The family is also most thankful for the gift of time provided by Dr. Paul Roach, Dr. Mark Clark, Dr. John D. Hinze, and Dr. Mark S. Klepper, the physicians of Pulmonary and Critical Care Consultants of Austin, Dr. Michael Watkins, and the Emergency /Intensive Care staff of Brackenridge Hospital. The family asks that memorial gifts be directed to creation of a scholarship in the UT College of Education in M.K.'s honor. Checks should be made payable to The University of Texas at Austin and sent to the following address: The University of Texas at Austin, Office of the Vice President for Development, Gift Processing Division, P.O. Box 7458, Austin, TX 78713-7458. Please include a notation that the gift is to be directed to the M.K. Hage. Jr. Scholarship in Education. Visitation will be held 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, January 1, at the Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 2, at All Saints Episcopal Church, 209 W. 27th St. A private family internment will follow. Arrangements by Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas 78705 (512) 452-8811. Obituary and guest book online at wcfish.com.