Aaron Nagel

Geoffrey "Aaron" Nagel was born on June 23, 1970, to Reinhardt "Randy" Nagel and Patricia Ann (Bolton) Nagel. Aaron grew up in Granite, Oklahoma, with his family and friends, including three brothers and one sister. He attended Granite Schools from kindergarten through his high school graduation in 1988.
Aaron participated in numerous activities during his school years, including holding class offices, but his true passion lay in sports. He played baseball and basketball throughout grade school, junior high, and high school. Aaron's senior year was marked by a pivotal encounter with a Marine recruiter, which led the passionate, thrill-seeking, and patriotic young man to enlist in the United States Marine Corps.
Aaron's service in the Marine Corps marked the beginning of a career dedicated to serving his country. He was a member of the special forces division and held scuba certification. After fulfilling his commitment to the Marine Corps, Aaron made the decisive move to transition to another branch of the military, culminating in his enlistment in the United States Air Force.
Aaron's passion, energy, and dedication reached new heights during his time in the Air Force, where he made an immediate and lasting impact. In his first year of service, he was recognized for his outstanding achievements and awarded United States Air Force Airman of the Year. His experiences inspired him to seek the ultimate way to serve his country.
Aaron completed U.S. Recon training, Navy SEAL School, Army Ranger School, and Combat Control School, qualifying as a combat control instructor-an achievement of exceptional distinction. His remarkable military career culminated in 2000, when a life-threatening brain tumor diagnosis necessitated his medical retirement.
Upon retiring, Aaron returned home to Granite, Oklahoma. As his health allowed and during periods of recovery from surgeries, he remained committed to serving the church community. His strength and faith remained steadfast as his physical health declined. Jesus fueled Aaron's passion for ministering to youth and led him to become an ordained Baptist preacher. By sharing his testimony, he helped guide others to Jesus, and his friendly nature made him a beloved figure in his community.
Aaron possessed a vibrant personality marked by his love of storytelling, his ability to connect with others, and his devotion to building lasting relationships with his nieces, nephews, and friends. He also enjoyed shopping and dining experiences. Aaron had a strong passion for sports, particularly OU football. He was especially close to his mother, Pat; his sister, Anissa; his nieces, Elizabeth and Emilie Rose; and his brother in heart, Dean, with whom he shared a strong bond.
Aaron was preceded in death by his father, Reinhardt Nagel; his brother, Randy Wayne Nagel; his paternal grandparents, Henrich "Henry" Ludwig Adolph and Beatrice Nagel; and his maternal grandparents, Wiley Bolton and Vestal Gately.
Aaron leaves behind his loving mother, Pat Nagel; brothers, Britt Nagel and wife Mollie, and Mark Nagel and wife Shelly; sister, Anissa Goodson and husband Bobby; nephews, Tony Nagel and Jared Nagel; nieces, Emilie Green, Tricia Thacker, Elizabeth McNutt and husband James, Marah Buffett and husband Antjuan, and Jordann Nagel; great-nephews, Connor and Everett McNutt; great-nieces, Sutton Wrage and Violett June Buffett; maternal aunt, Judy Brooks; and numerous cousins.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the First Baptist Church Grow Program and the Falls Creek Sponsorship, both supported by First Baptist Church in Granite, Oklahoma.