Kenneth F. "Ken" Hagan

Kenneth (Ken) F. Hagan: A Life of Service (January 28, 1941 - October 31, 2025)

The City of Jacksonville, North Carolina, mourns the loss of a beloved and dedicated public servant, Ken Hagan, who passed away unexpectedly due to a massive heart attack on Friday, October 31, 2025, surrounded by his family. A Celebration of Life, followed by a visitation, will be open to the public at the Jacksonville Commons on Thursday, November 6, 2025. Doors will open at 12:30 p.m., with the service beginning at 1:00 p.m. EST.

Ken dedicated his life to building community and creating opportunities for others. His leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to the people of Jacksonville left a lasting legacy that will continue to enrich the community for generations to come.

Ken's dedication to service began as a United States Marine, where he honorably served for eight years and three months. Ken was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro in Irvine, California and served overseas in Japan.

His service to Jacksonville, North Carolina, began in 1969 as the Assistant Recreation Director. He was quickly promoted to Director, a position he held for 28 years, from 1973 to 2001. As the Recreation Director, Ken was instrumental in shaping the Recreation and Parks system that Jacksonville residents enjoy today.

Under Ken's leadership, the Recreation and Parks department acquired over 2 million dollars in grant funds and grew the park system from 6 parks and 32 acres to 18 parks and 400 acres. He was instrumental in the development of Northeast Creek Park, Woodlands Park, Riverwalk Crossing Park, Sturgeon City Park, Wilson Bay Park, L.P. Willingham Waterfront Park, and the Jacksonville Commons, which became the city's primary recreational hub. Ken challenged the status quo, creating co-ed sport opportunities and promoting initiatives that provided equal opportunities to all youth athletes.

In 2001, Ken took the position of Jacksonville City Manager, where he served for five years. Throughout his tenure, he continued his support of Recreation and Parks, while also leading initiatives such as City Hall renovations, constructing the first water treatment plant, and hiring the city's first IT Director

His passion for promoting youth sports and recreation extended well beyond his roles with the City of Jacksonville. He served on numerous nonprofit boards and committees, including the North Carolina Recreation and Parks Society / Association, the Jacksonville Tourism and Development Authority, and as Chairman of the Recreation and Parks Scholarship Foundation. He was also an integral member of the committee that established the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, an inaugural board member of the Jacksonville-Onslow Sports Commission, and an original member of the Jacksonville / Onslow County Pop Warner Football program.

Ken was known as "the voice of the Cardinals" across eastern North Carolina given his role, for 25 years, as the Jacksonville High School Football Cardinal announcer - never missing a single game. He later invested in WJNC to ensure the station remained a vital part of the community he loved.

He dedicated himself to developing countless young people, guiding them to make positive choices and realize their potential with a special focus on providing opportunities to those who might not otherwise have them. He coached numerous teams throughout Jacksonville, including the Jacksonville High School varsity and junior varsity baseball teams, leaving a lasting influence on all those he coached.

Ken's more than 45 years of public service earned him North Carolina's highest civilian honor, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, presented by Governor Beverly Perdue in 2011. He was also inducted into the Jacksonville-Onslow Sports Hall of Fame in 2014 and received both the Special Citation Award (1999) and the Hall of Fame Award (2010) from the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Association.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts on January 28, 1941, Ken was a lifelong Red Sox fan who proudly passed his love for the team on to his family, taking both of his children and each of his four grandchildren to Fenway Park multiple times. He was also an avid Duke basketball supporter and cherished the many games he attended at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Ken was the son of Francis Hagan and Pearl Lawrence. He was a brother to his siblings, Pat, Jeanne, and Steve, and his sisters-in-law Clarice and Brenda (and husband, Mike), and brother-in-law John (and wife, Susan).

Ken "Granddad" Hagan was happiest when surrounded by his family - especially when playing cards or watching a sporting event. He will be dearly missed by his beloved wife of 61 years, Cynthia (Cindy) Hagan, his children Scott Hagan and Karen Garner, his grandchildren Tyler Hagan (and wife, Sarah), Kensley Hagan, Frances Garner, and Bradley Garner, and his great-grandson Addison. The foundation he built - rooted in love, laughter, and a family-first spirit - will continue to guide the Hagan and Garner families for generations to come.

Ken lived life to the fullest. He traveled to all 50 states, stopping at every historical marker or scenic overlook, and never missed an opportunity to enjoy a pint of ice cream (single scoops were not allowed). He played travel softball well into his 70s and was a steadfast attendee at his children's, grandchildren's, and great grandchild's sporting and academic events.

He will be deeply missed, but his kindness, joy, and love for family and the Jacksonville community will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a cause that is meaningful to you, or to one of the following organizations that were important to Ken:

NC Recreation and Parks Scholarship Foundation (Donation Link) (883 Washington St Raleigh, NC 27605)

Alzheimer's Association (Donation Link) (320 Nevada St., Suite 201 Newton, MA 02460). Please include "Attn: Garner Family Boston Marathon" when submitting your donation via mail.