Willis G. Hagan
January 17, 1934 ~ July 9, 2020
Willis G. Hagan, 86, of Carolina Street, died at 4:25 a.m. July 9, 2020, at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana Inpatient Facility.
Willis was born January 17, 1934, in Spencer County, Indiana, the son of Lester W. and Clara Ann Wetherill Hagan. He married June Wallace April 18, 1957. He graduated from Chrisney High School in 1952 and received his B.S. in Education in 1955 from Indiana State University. In 1961 he received his M.S. in Education from Indiana University, and continued to support his Hoosiers as a faithful home spectator and with a proud display of the annual Basketball team roster. Willis was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served from 1957 to 1959.
Willis began his teaching career in Tell City, Indiana. In 1956 he moved to Columbus and began his career with Bartholomew County School Corporation as a teacher at Central Junior High. He was a teacher and assistant principal at Northside Junior High, assistant principal at Southside Junior High, and spent the last 13 years of his career as principal of Central Middle School. He was awarded the BCSC Education Hall of Fame Award in 1991 and the Sertoma Service to Mankind Award in 1993.Willis was a member of the BCSC Retired Teachers Association and a life member of the National Education Association.
He was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church where he served as chairman of the church council, an active member of the Methodist Men, coordinated activities for DMA, and participated in many other volunteer activities.
Willis was a proud member of Optimist International, where he served as Governor of the Indiana District in 1970-1971. For many years, he was a popular target at the Dunking Booth at the 4-H county fair to support the organization.
In his retirement he continued his volunteerism at the Senior Center, Love Chapel, and assisting his neighbors with snow removal, leaf raking, gutter cleaning, trash can retrieval, and providing produce.
The funeral will be conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 18, 2020, at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home with Pastor Dave Blystone officiating. Calling will be 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and one hour prior to the service. Entombment will be at Garland Brook Cemetery Mausoleum with military honors presented by the Bartholomew County Veterans Honor Guard. The family requires all visitors please wear a mask.
Memorials may be made to Asbury United Methodist Church in memory of Willis. Survivors include his wife, June; daughter, Coleen H. Albright of Noblesville; brother, Howard (Margaret) Hagan of Evansville; grandchildren, Amy (Ben) Seagren and Emily Albright; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Lloyd Hagan, Ralph Hagan and Garland Hagan, and a sister, Pauline Eblen; and a son-in-law, Robert P. Albright.
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Enchanted Cottage was purchased for the family of Willis G. Hagan.
Although we did not know Mr Hagen well,
We always enjoyed talking to him when
We lived next door to Coleen. Often he would
Be outside in her yard and that’s when
We would see him as we were working in our yard. We are keeping the family in our thoughts and prayers.
He was the first principal I worked u see. A fair and honest man. I appreciate the start he gave
Me.
I knew Mr. Hagan as a kid. When I graduated with a teaching degree, he hired me as a teaching assistant for some pretty tough kids. I enjoyed it when he would come to my room and just sit and chat with me. My sincere condolences to the Hagan family. He was a wise and wonderful man who touched many lives.
Sincerely, Mrs. Shawn Caneer (Lawson)
Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of Willis G. Hagan.
So sorry for your loss. Mr. Hagan was one of my favorite teachers. He was such a smart, funny, and gentle soul. He is sadly missed. prayers for the family.
With Love and Prayers…Sue Wallace & Lori Bradner purchased the Divine Peace Bouquet for the family of Willis G. Hagan.
Dear Mrs. Hagen and Coleen,
Mr. Hagen touched so many lives and ours were no exception. He was a favorite teacher, family friend and tireless servant in helping out my parents. Our lives have been better for knowing all 3 of you. May you go forward with wonderful living memories until God allows us the reunion that he , Mom, Dad and Becky are enjoying with Jesus.
God bless you.
Ken and Claudia Linder Schneider
Mr. Hagan made a huge impact in my life for the better. I was not the best student, but he was always firm, fair and consistent.
He was a good role model!
Mrs. Hagan, Coleen, so sorry to hear about Mr Hagan. I saw him last at my uncle, Floyd Sprague’s funeral. I told him then how much it meant to me when he brought you, Coleen, and the other girls to my house in his blue van when I couldn’t be at your sleepover when we were in 9th grade because of my eye surgery. It was a kindness I remember still today. He was a good man. Sending love and prayers from Columbus, OH, Chris (Bloom) Teegarden
Prayers sent out to June , Colleen , and family. A great loss to your family, to his neighbors, and to the Community. I will always hold fond memories of Willis and June pedalling around the neighborhood on their bicycle built for two.
I was sorry to hear of Mr. Hagan’s passing. I am sure he lived life to the fullest, as he did with his teaching and for his students. I remember him well as one of my favorite teachers, as he was always willing to help, and was always very patient. My thoughts are with your family at this time.
Lit a candle in memory of Willis G. Hagan
Mr. Hagan meant a lot to my family. He was a great principal and managed to make the awkward middle school years quite a lot less awful than they could have been, bringing sincerity, warmth, and support to the table. For that alone, I will always remember him as the best principal I ever had. On top of that, though, he hired my mother and under his leadership, she did amazing. He was a mentor and a friend to her and even as she was suffering early onset dementia, a visit from he and his wife would bring her great joy. The world has lost a light and is a sadder place today.
Willie Hagen, a great boss, great friend and great man. Condolences to June and family from one of his employees at Southside Jr. High in the mid 70’s……Diana Bova
We would all be lucky to have more community leaders, workers, educators, friends, and neighbors like Willie Hagan. Thanks for your service to our community!
Mr. Hagan was the Assistant Principal at Southside Jr. High School while I was a student there. He was probably the nicest adult in the building. Always kind and caring and readily available to talk if you needed a friend.
I was always happy to run into Mr. Hagan when I became an adult, and he always seemed happy to reunite with one of his students, no matter how long it had been.
This is a great loss to our community, his past students and all who loved him. Sending condolences to his family and thanking you for sharing him with us for so long!
Trish Robbins-Ward
Mr.Hagan was my Math Teacher at North Side. He made a difference in my life as a 9th grader.
He always had a smile that brought sunshine & encouragement throughout the school. He was my favorite teacher.
My children attended Central where he was just the same as when I was his student. He was really a blessing to others. Still today when going back in time I remember the first time I entered his classroom I was awkward & he made me feel at ease. Speaking for a tiny 9th grader. teased by many how grateful to have a teacher such as Mr. Hagan who made a difference because he cared. I believe he loved his profession.
My heart goes out to the family. May the Lord continue to bless you all.
Vauldra Bailey
My first 5 years of teaching, Willie was my boss. First as vice- principal, then as principal. We teachers knew he always had our backs.
He was reasonable, helpful, constructive and caring. He helped make my experience at Southside Junior High a very positive one. He guided. He cared. We loved him for it.
The impact he had on thousands of student lives is incalculable. I honor him. He will be missed.
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Sweet Solace Spray was purchased for the family of Willis G. Hagan.
So sorry to hear this. Mr. Hagan was one of the best teachers I ever had. His sense of humor was second to none. he kept me smiling and learning every day. The world is a sadder place without him.
Country Basket Blooms was purchased for the family of Willis G. Hagan.
Mr. Hagan was my middle school Principal in the early 1980’s.
He believed in me and celebrated me.
He had a tremendous impact on my life.
If can impact my students, like he impacted me – – then I am on the right track in life.
“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” Matthew 9:37
– Angie Burks,
Senior Lecturer, The Ohio State University
Lovely One Spathiphyllum Plant was purchased for the family of Willis G. Hagan.
Florist Choice Bouquet was purchased for the family of Willis G. Hagan.
Peaceful White Lilies Basket was purchased for the family of Willis G. Hagan.