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Dr. C.R. Hager

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Columbia University University of Chicago University of Kentucky

C.R. Hager Obituary

NICHOLASVILLE - Dr. C.R. Hager, 93, beloved father and grandfather, passed away at Wesley Village in Wilmore, KY. He was a native of Jessamine County. Hager was a graduate of Nicholasville High School, received his AB degree from Asbury College, his BD from Asbury Seminary, a MA from the University of Kentucky, and an LLD from Asbury College. He completed further graduate studies at Columbia University and the University of Chicago. He served in World War II as a transport commander in the United States Army spending two years in the South Pacific. He served in the National Guard for eight years and was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain. Hager had a distinguished career in education as a school teacher, counselor with the Veterans Administration, liaison officer with the Kentucky Welfare Dept., and as superintendent of schools of Jessamine County for ten years. He was assistant dean of Extended Programs and Adult Education at the University of Kentucky for twenty seven years. He helped found the University's Community College Program and served as its director of Extension. He also helped develop the Donovan Scholar's program and served as director. He was a member of the Asbury College board of trustees and served as president of the Asbury College on three occasions and vice-president for academic affairs for one year. He was executive director of the United Methodist Foundation. He served as secretary-treasurer and president of the Central Kentucky Education Association, president of the Kentucky Education Association, president of the Kentucky School Administrators Association, was a delegate to the World Conference on Education, and chairman of the KKentucky Older Adult Legislative Com- mission. He had a distinguished record of service to the United Methodist Church. Hager was a member of the Nicholasville UMC, a delegate to the General Conference of the UMC on eight occasions, Kentucky Conference lay leader, and secretary of the Southeastern Jurisdiction of the UMC for twelve years. He was a founding member of the board of directors of Wesley Village and also served on the board of the Methodist Home of Kentucky. He was also active in community affairs. Hager co-founded the Little League and Babe Ruth Leagues of Jessamine County, was a leader of Boy Scouts, and served as a charter member of the Withers Memorial Library board, 4-H Council, Fair Board, and the Jessamine County Beef Cattle Association. He was honored as one of the original Heroes, Saints and Legends by Wesley Village. His family was selected as the UMC Family of the Year. Hager received the Asbury College "A" Award. He was chosen as Jessamine County Citizen of the Year and received the Jessamine County Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame Award. He was honored by the UK Phi Delta Kappa for meritorious service. Dr. Hager was the son of Arch, Sr. and Myrtie Hager. He was preceded in death by three brothers: Lyman, Arch, Jr. and Elesteen and three sisters: Thelma Cobb, Eudel Cobb and Flossie Hayden. He is survived by a brother, Vernon and sister, Marie. His devoted wife, Ruth died in 1995. He has three children: Nela (Doug) Marshall, Dan (Sandy) Langer, and David (Kathleen Martin) Hager; twelve grandchildren: David and Elizabeth Marshall, Drew and Cindy Langer, Philip (Lisa), Neal (Shannon) and Jonathan (Natalie) Hager, Matt (Angelica) McMullen and Lorraine (Matt) Leet; Kelly, Jessica and Kristen Moore; and two great grandchildren: Julia Loveday and Jack Hager. Pallbearers: David and Elizabeth Marshall; Cindy and Drew Langer; Philip, Neal and Jonathan Hager; Matt McMullen and Lorraine Leet. Honorary Pallbearers: A.D. Albright, Mary Jean Blackford, Harold Waits, Zeb Blankenship, Roger Chrismon, Clay Corman, Al Moulton, Ed McKinley, Taylor Phillips, Robert Jackson, Winston Smith, Sonny Moberly, Charles Crouse, Sr, and C. E. Crouse, Jr. as well as the members of the CR Hager Sunday School Class. (In lieu of flowers please send contributions to the Nicholasville United Methodist Church Building Fund- 303 West Maple Street in Nicholasville or The Ruth Lansell Hager Scholarship Fund at Asbury College- 1 Macklem Drive, Wilmore.) Visitation will be held in Hughes Auditorium at Asbury College, Wilmore, KY from 4-9pm on Sun, May 20th and 4-9pm on Monday, May 21st. A service of praise for his life will be held in Hughes at 1pm on Tue, May 22nd. Hager & Cundiff Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Sign guestbook at www.hagerandcundiff funerals.com

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Published by Lexington Herald-Leader from May 20 to May 21, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for C.R. Hager

14 Entries

Jim Eckler

May 23, 2007

To the Hager families, some of my dearest friends; my prayers are with you. Dr. Hager was the finest, most courageous, and the best example of a strong parent that I ever knew while growing up in Nicholasville. He provided guidance to me as a child and young man, often the father image to which I tried to imitate when I grew older and wiser. He touched so many lives, as a leader in the Church, in the community and the colleges, in which he served. I can only say that I am so blessed that he and Ruth were a part of my life and that his children were my friends. May God bless and keep you, Jim Eckler

Dana Moutz

May 22, 2007

I savored that fitting and beautiful celebration in Hughes Auditorium for Dr. C. R Hager(he had told me he made up the "R" so a period after his second initial wasn't necessary).

When Dr. Hager was president in 1992-93, I had the honor to serve as his secretary, green as I was. I retain impressions of his big, strong handshake, his smile and the twinkle in the eye; he was the consummate diplomat. It was very soon after double knee replacement surgery that he was called to serve. He negotiated multiple stairways daily without a hint of complaint. A favorite memory is helping to surprise him with an 80th birthday party in the administration building board room. He bore it well. I learned that the measure of a person is far more important than the work accomplished. Work was done but with a finesse that made the burden lighter.

Today's celebration and a glimpse of his excellent family remind me that Asbury College is much more than a workplace; it's a place where generations of people who have learned to treat each other with "agape" love pass in and out of Hughes Auditorium, and God directs their steps.

My thanks to the family members for sharing his homegoing with us. I am pleased and not surprised to hear he had an angel escort.

—Dana
AA to the President
Asbury College

Jay and Candace Ward

May 22, 2007

To the Hager family,

May God give you peace in this time of sorrow and loss. Dr. Hager will be remembered in so many ways- He made a phenomenal contribution to family, community, and church.

GEORGIA REYNOLDS

May 22, 2007

I KNEW MR HAGER FROM A SMALL CHILD AT UMC.LATER HE WAS SUPERTINENT OF MY SCHOOL. MY MOTHER OFTEN SPOKE OF SHE ANDMR HAGER WERE THE TWO OLDEST LIVING MEMBERS OF THE NICHOLASVILLE UMC. SHE PASSED AWAY IN MARCH OF THIS YEAR. MR HAGER WAS A CHRISTIAN AND A GENTLEMAN IN EVERY SENSE OF THE WORD.

Steve and Kerry (Gillispie) Battista

May 21, 2007

Dear Hager family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sorrow-filled time. May God bless your family.

Asbury Class of 1993

Gay Harlowe

May 21, 2007

Buddy, I am thinking of you but can only send hugs from Florida.

Ted Sisk

May 20, 2007

Although I did not know Bro. Hager personally I do know and hold in highest esteem his son David, and I rejoice in the strong Christian witness the Hager family has had in our area of Kentucky. The peace of God be with you.

Shirley Mulcahy

May 20, 2007

Nela and Family,
How sad to have lost Dr. Hager but how happy to know that he is in the Lord's presence at this time. He was a wonderful man. He always had a kind word to say. He always wanted me to go to Asbury to further my music. I will always remember his kind words and smile. You are in my prayers.
In His Name,
Shirley Mulcahy

Dan and Carol Van Sickle

May 20, 2007

Dear Dan and Sandy:

The Methodist Community has lost a very special person. Please know we send our love and sympathy.
We are honored to have known him.

With love and prayers,

Dan and Carol Van Sickle

Nancye Thornberry

May 20, 2007

To the Hager family
I have heard many times over the past 50 years how close your parents were with Adron and Mignon Doran. Since Mignon is unable to send her condolences at this time, it is on her behalf that I acknowledge that friendship and closeness. I know she also values the relationship she has had with all of you, especially David, during these last few years. Your Dad's life speaks for itself and his spirit will live on and on.

Nelson and Carrie Jane Foster

May 20, 2007

Dear Hager Family:
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of such a nice and sweet person to have ever come in contact with on many occasions. The first is when I was in school several years ago and he was Superintendent. And then later he was involved with our children when they were in school. Also I remember when he and your mother, Ruth always visited with my mother, Lena Brogle, when she was confined at home with her illness. I will never forget how sweet they were to her. We will keep your families in our prayers, and may God bless each and everyone of you.

Steve Peterson

May 20, 2007

I've only known CR for about a dozen years. Through his fellowship, I've always reguarded his presence as a celebration of Christian Life. His kindness will always be remembered.

Annetta King

May 20, 2007

Nela & Family, Dennis & I were so sorry to read about the passing of your Father. He & your Mother were such wonderful people. I remember them the most from 4-H. Tells you how long ago that was! Keep the good memories with you & God will take care of the rest! Our love & prayers are with you & yours! Annetta (Crawford)&Dennis King

Ruth and Howard Fain

May 20, 2007

Dear Nela, Dan and David: Jessamine County has truly lost a legend. Mr. Hager was one of the most amazing, wonderful, sweetest men that I have known. I know that you will miss him, but he is at home with his sweet wife now. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.

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