Samuel Wesley "Wes" Haggard

Samuel Wesley "Wes" Haggard, age 85, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 27, 2026, in College Station. A man of boundless joy and an "Aggie" to his core, Wes was known for his contagious smile, his talent for building people up, and his unwavering devotion to his family.

Wes was born on April 9, 1940, in Graham, Texas, to Lela Doris Ripley Haggard and Charles Wesley Haggard. He grew up in Mineral Wells, enjoying the freedom of small-town life with his six siblings and cherished summers being "spoiled" by his aunts Oma, Meda, Bonnie, Kate, and Maude on the family farm in Palo Pinto. After graduating from Mineral Wells High School in 1958, he moved to College Station to attend Texas A&M University. He was a proud member of the Corps of Cadets (Class of '62) and later served in the Army National Guard from 1962 to 1968.

Wes's professional journey began at Tidewater and Gulf Oil before he transitioned into executive roles in Houston. In 1977, seeking a closer-knit community for his family, he and his wife, Fran, moved to Hempstead, Texas. For sixteen years, they owned and operated the Sears Roebuck & Company store, followed by the Appliance Warehouse.

Wes was deeply involved in the Hempstead community, serving on the Chamber of Commerce and two terms on the Hempstead ISD Board. He particularly relished his years coaching Little League baseball, where his passion for encouraging young athletes led his teams to numerous championships.

In the second act of his career, Wes followed his love for investing, becoming a Certified Financial Planner. He operated H&R Block and HD Vest franchises in Hempstead, finding true fulfillment in helping friends and clients reach their financial goals. He continued advising others until his ultimate retirement in 2018.

As much as Wes loved the Fighting Texas Aggies-bleeding Maroon and White until the end-his greatest "team" was his family. He is survived by his devoted wife of 54+ years and partner in all things, Frances "Fran" Hudson Haggard.

He leaves behind a legacy of love in his children: Kim Travers (Todd), Charlie Haggard (Amy), and Scott Kiere (Nada); and his eight grandchildren: Cole (Emily), Ryan, and Jenna Travers; Hudson, Dalton, and Vivian Haggard; and Skye and Brooke Kiere. He is also survived by his siblings: Luan Byrd, Micheal Haggard, Jean Detmer, Kent Haggard, Mark Haggard, and Cathy Hudson. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Palo Pinto Cemetery, 910 S FM 4, Palo Pinto, TX. A celebration of life will immediately follow at The Crazy Water Hotel, 401 N Oak Ave, Mineral Wells, TX.

Wes' family kindly asks that people planning on attending the memorial dinner RSVP with them by March 13th.