ROBERT E. HAGER Sr.

Robert Eugene Hager Sr., 62, husband of Leslie (Low) Hager, of Staunton, Va., passed away after a long battle of cancer Sunday, Jan. 25, 2009, at Augusta Medical Center, Fishersville, Va.
Mr. Hager was born Dec. 3, 1946, in Christiansburg, Va., a son of Okie Ellis and Virgie (Meadows) Hager, who preceded him in death.
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 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.
In addition to his wife, survivors include two sons, Robert Eugene (Denise) Hager Jr. of Roanoke and Keith (Jean) Russell of DeKalb, Ill.; a daughter, Lisa Gail (Edward) Wilcox, also of DeKalb; a stepson, Warren Jay Boothe of Staunton; a brother, Tommy E. Hager and a sister, Linda (Hager) Russo, both of Winchester Va.; six grandchildren; eight step-grandchildren; and three nephews.
A memorial service celebrating Robert's life will be conducted 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, at 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, Va., (540-887-8111) is in charge of the arrangements.
Condolences can be expressed to the family online at www.coffmanfuneralhome.net.