Frederick “Fred” Lester Hager passed away Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021, after a long battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving family. Fred was born July 25, 1935 in Allen County, the oldest of the four children born to the late Oliver and Martha (Mougey) Hager. He graduated from Lafayette Jackson High School in 1953.
In 1955, Fred served honorably in the United States Army with basic training in Fort Riley, Kansas, and completed his service in Germany. He was a dairy and grain farmer all his life. He also worked 33 years at DAB in Bellefontaine.
On Sept. 15, 1957 he married Doris (Shaw) Hager, who survives. He is also survived by four children: Darlene (Jerry) Armstrong, Steve (Sharon) Hager, Sherry (Victor) Payne, and Rodney (Margaret) Hager.
Fred has 15 grandchildren: Michelle (Pat) Neer, David (Rebecca) Armstrong, Barry (Kelly) Hager, Danny Hager, Doug (Karena) Hager, Mark Hager, Daniel Barr, Stacey Smith, Corey Smith, Matt (Alyssa) Smith, Mike (Kim) Smith, David (Ray) Payne, Mel Payne, Ashley (Kyle) Woolever, and Rebecca Hager. He is also survived by 17 great grandchildren and his three siblings: Sam (Shirley) Hager, Judy (Frank) Crews, and Robert (Judy) Hager.
Fred was a member of Stony Creek Church where he served and held several offices. He was a member of the Logan County Farm Bureau, and the Farm Bureau council, “The Board Bunch”, as well as the Antique Tractor Club. Fred owned a 1936 Minneapolis Moline Z tractor that he proudly drove in many local parades.
A funeral service will be at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 15, at Jennings Farley & Seeley Funeral Home & Crematory. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
Guests will be required to wear a mask and practice social distancing at all times. If you are feeling ill, please stay home and express your condolences to the family through other means. Thank you.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Stony Creek Church 3570 County Road 31 South Bellefontaine, Ohio, 43311, or Universal Health and Hospice, 921 Rush Ave. Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.jenningsfarley.com.