Jerry Raymond Hagman

Claudell, KS resident, Jerry Raymond Hagman passed away at Kearney Regional Medical Center in Kearney, NE at the age of 84 on Friday, May 23, 2025, joining his beloved wife Melba on her first heavenly birthday.
He was born April 13, 1941, in Portis, KS, the son of Raymond and Bernadine "Bunny" Hagman. He grew up with his sister Linda Hagman Myers on their family farm just north of Claudell.
He graduated from Kensington High School where he played football, baseball, and was an instigator of many shenanigans along with his crazy and fun classmates. Sherry Newbrey, a classmate and life-long friend, shared Jerry and other boys waxed the bottom of a girls chair so when she leaned back it would fall over. Of course the desk came with it on top of her! She said, "At least I found my science book!" Sherri also recalls, "they had water guns in biology class every day and we were soaked for next hour or two." Jerry also tested his fate and sanity riding on the Claudell road with Jim Schalansky and other friends many times.
Jerry was always known for his fast-paced personality, going 100 mph in every direction, which makes street racing around the square in Kirwin and blocking off Main Street in Kensington for drags no surprise. Jerry also loved attending the sprint car races with his parents, wife Melba, and daughter Tamra and son-in-law Kent in WaKeeney, Red Cloud, Belleville, and Stockton.
Jerry attended Fort Hays State University in Hays, KS, where he met the love of his life Melba Kay Larrick. He graduated in 1964 with his Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural.
On December 22, 1963, he married Melba Kay Larrick in Ashland, KS. To this union two daughters were born, Kayla and Tamra. Jerry and Melba moved to Kirwin, KS, where he resumed working along side his dad Raymond on the family farm. Jerry's family has a longstanding history in agriculture. In 2016, he, along with James Absaln Hagman (grandfather) and Raymond Dow Hagman (father), was recognized as a Century Farm Honoree by the Kansas Farm Bureau, acknowledging the family's farm established in 1916.
Jerry also ran a successful mechanic business, Hagman Repair, being known as the "Shade Tree Mechanic," providing the surrounding areas with quality service and metal working. Jerry enjoyed serving as the Treasurer of the Kensington Fire Department Board for many years as well as being a member of the Kensington Lions Club.
In the summers, Jerry also enjoyed water skiing at the lake with Melba and his brother-in-law Dale Walker. Doug Walker (nephew-in-law) recalls, "Jerry couldn't wait for the season to start so he could ski with ice around the edge of the lake - no wet suits. They once even went skiing in front of a tornado rolling in because in the calm-before-the-storm the water was 'so smooth'." Andee Walker Black (sister-in-law) said, "It ended up okay, but they couldn't get the boat out of the water because it was so full of water from the tornado." Andee also shares Jerry was afraid to answer the phone because it might be the Walker Family calling to ask for help moving, AGAIN!
You could always find Jerry and Melba out on the dance floor, as their love for dancing was just as strong as their love for each other. Jerry fondly remembered their disco dancing outfits, and enjoyed teasing he was going to pull out his platforms and bells for a night on the town. They also took disco dancing lessons and their favorite disco song was 'More than a Woman' by The Bee Gees.
Jerry was also known for his stubbornness. The family recalls countless occasions, but one in particular always bringing a smile when told. Jerry decided he wanted to go to the harvest field, but he did not have a way to get there, so he fired up his Vintage M International Tractor and began racing the combine when he arrived in the field.
Jerry valued spending time with his family including his daughters, Kayla and Tamra and their husbands as well as many extended family members. Jerry enjoyed mechanic work with his daughter Kayla, building a T-Bucket together. He also loved talking all things racing with Ken and Kayla. Tamra was sure to always keep Jerry mischievous, as she always cheered on his silly ideas, like splashing fellow motorists while irritating together when she was a child. Tamra also enjoyed wheat harvest the most with her dad, and was so excited to share this experience with her daughter Darah, who couldn't pass up the opportunity to ask her Gpa to drive the combine at a young age. The cab was full of grins from ear to ear as Darah zip zagged through the golden wheat, hollering "How am I doing, Gpa?"
Jerry was an avid target practice shooter at the family gun range and 'hobby' hunter shooting a few deer over the years. He largely anticipated seeing the trophies brought home and hearing the stories told of the numerous hunting adventures from Kent and Darah, and later Taylar (grandson-in-law).
Jerry was blessed with his only grandchild, Darah Kay Portenier Bohl in September 1997 and great granddaughter Maevery Kay Bohl, who was named in honor of Melba and Jerry, in August 2023. Jerry always enjoyed Darah's company as she spent the summers at their home, and Darah fondly remembers hollering to the shop when Gma Melba said it was time lunch (or running out to get Gpa because his music was too loud). After a quick wash upon entering the house, he cranked up the kitchen radio and the dancing began to The Beach Boys or Elvis. Darah also enjoyed being Gpa's "little helper" during irrigation, always ending up muddy as can be with lots of stories to tell.
Jerry was ecstatic to share his knowledge and the ropes as he and Melba transitioned Taylar and Darah into being the 5th generation farmers continuing the century farm legacy.
Jerry was quick to take Taylar under his wing, and Darah knew he was going to make the perfect addition to the family when Jerry and Taylar were found to be racing lawn mowers around their circle drive. Jerry and Taylar shared a passion for farming and there wasn't much that would get those two off the topic of farming during their daily chats.
Taylar shares, "To me, he was so much more than a grandfather-in-law. I lost my dad when I was just 12 years old, and ever since then, I carried a quiet longing for someone who not only shared the same love for the land and life as I did, but who could also fill that role of a father figure-someone to look up to, to learn from, and to walk beside through life. He stepped into that space in a way I never expected, with open arms and a kind heart. He treated me like his own son, without hesitation or condition. He became a father to me, a mentor, a role model, and truly, one of my best friends. He had a way of making you feel like you belonged, like you mattered-and that kind of presence is a rare and special gift. Every farm kid dreams of spending their days working alongside their dad, sharing laughs in the cab of a tractor, swapping stories at the end of a long day, and building something lasting together out in the fields. I got to live that dream with him. Those days were filled with lessons, with laughter, and with the kind of quiet understanding that only comes from shared work and deep respect. Though our time together was shorter than I ever hoped it would be, the memories we made will stay with me forever. They're etched into every acre, every fence post, every early morning and late evening spent doing what we both loved. I will carry his wisdom with me for the rest of my life, and I'll always be grateful-not just for the time we had, but for the way he made me feel like family in every sense of the word."
Jerry adored his "Boo Boo" great granddaughter Maevery Kay, and was sure to always supply her with lemon cookies, music to dance to, his love for baby kitties/cats, and a finger to hold during their multiple flower walks together this spring.
Julie Foster (niece) recalls her mom Linda telling her how she was frightened of uncle Jerry when she was little because he was gruff. Linda shared Julie would scream when he picked her up, although one time he screamed back at her & after that they were fine.
While on a visit at the farm, Cindy Myers-Parr (niece) recounts a tornado popping up and uncle Jerry shepherding everyone to the safety of their basement but then he remained on the porch to watch it all. However, Jerry ended up with a bit of a scare when one of them knocked a jar off a shelf because he thought they were in danger which lead him running back downstairs to investigate.
He was preceded in death by his wife Melba Hagman, parents Raymond and Bunny Hagman and his sister Linda and brother-in-law, Brian Myers. He is survived by his daughter Kayla Johnson and husband Ken; daughter Tamra Portenier and husband Kent; granddaughter Darah Bohl, husband Taylar, and great-granddaughter Maevery Kay Bohl; niece Cindy Myers-Parr, husband Roger, and daughter Marley Parr; and niece Julie Foster, husband Robert, and son Logan Foster.
A burial was held at the Buffalo View Cemetery located on the family farm.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Kensington Fire Department c/o Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, PO Box 563, Phillipsburg, KS 67661.