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DU QUOIN - Gerald M. Hagler, 73, formerly of Pomona, passed away at 12:50 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009, at his home.
Gerald was born June 22, 1936, in Pomona, the son of Arthur Melvin Hagler and Hazel Dell Tripp (Rawlings).
He was a 1954 graduate of Alto Pass High School and a member of the Apache basketball team.
Gerald married Marcia Gay Hunt on Nov. 29, 1957. From his union with Marcia, they had four children: two sons, Wallace Hagler and wife, Brenda, of Murphysboro and Lowell Allen Hagler, deceased; and two daughters, Michele Forby and husband, Dwain, of Makanda and Linda Jo Hagler of Carbondale.
He served in the U.S. Army from 1959 until 1962.
Gerald married Mary Katherine Russell on Jan. 3, 1998. From his union with Kathy, he added to his family one son, Russell Martie and wife, Tammy, of Murphysboro; and one daughter, Lori Lee and husband, Kent, of Murphysboro.
Gerald retired from Koppers Co. Inc. in 1993, where he had been an office manager since 1964. He had a great love for farming, which he enjoyed until his second retirement in 2002. In Gerald's retirement years, he enjoyed reading his Bible, working in his garden and working in his woodworking shop. He was a productive gardener and an excellent craftsman of swings, chairs and other woodwork. He most enjoyed giving away the fruits of his labor in both garden and shop.
He was a member of the American Legion Post 127. For years he was a member of Mount Pleasant Jerusalem Christian Church, where he served as a deacon. He was also a member of Second Baptist Church in Du Quoin. Gerald loved many people, but most of all he loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and always put Him first in his life.
Gerald will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him.
Special thanks to neighbors, friends and church communities of Du Quoin for their thoughts and prayers.
Surviving grandchildren are Eric Forby and wife, Bonnie, Angela Knaub and husband, Markus, Katie Forby, Jessie Jo Warner, Brandy Warner, Lydia Thornburg, Dillon Lee, Rachel Lee and Grace Martie. He had one great-grandson, Jacob Forby and was anxiously awaiting the births of two more great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one sister, Maretta Alley and husband, LaDell, of Murphysboro; one brother, Wayne Rawlings and wife, Ann, of Florissant, Mo.; sister-in-law, Belinda Biggers and husband, Fred, of Walnut Ridge, Ark.; brothers-in-law, Clyde Hunt of Carbondale and Donald Hunt of Daleville, Va.; sister-in-law, Goldie Hunt of Minnesota; and special friend, Iris Montgomery. He also leaves behind many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marcia; his son Lowell; one granddaughter, Marci Kristine Forby; mother-in-law, Bettie Corso; and brother-in-law, Dennis Russell.
Services will be at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009, in Second Baptist Church in Du Quoin, with the Rev. Kent Eaton officiating.
Burial will be in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Pomona, with military graveside rites and a memorial service before burial. Friends may call from 12:30 to 1 p.m. today at the church.
In lieu of flowers, friends may make memorials to Downs Syndrome Association and/or Second Baptist Church of Du Quoin; memorials will be accepted at Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.
For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com. Published in The Southern Illinoisan on October 25, 2009
Type: Public Announcement
Date: 2009-10-25
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