Larry Hagen

On Monday, September 23, 2019, Larry Lou Hagen, loving husband, father of three children, and grandfather of four children, passed away at the age of 81.  Larry was born on June 13, 1938 in Alma, MI to Edward and Ula (Fisher) Hagen.  He graduated from St. Louis High School with the Class of 1957, and in 1964, graduated from Northwood Institute (Northwood University) with an Associate Degree in Banking and Finance.  On October 4, 1958, he married Sharon Lee (Mizer) Hagen.  They raised one daughter, Kelly Devine (Dean) and two sons: James Hagen and John Hagen (Diane).  James passed away February 2, 1965 of complications from spina bifida.

Funeral Services will be held at St. Louis Church of Christ, St. Louis, MI on Saturday, September 28, 2019 at 11:00 AM with Dr. Keith Wise officiating.  Burial will follow at Pritchard Cemetery, Elwell, MI.  Visitation will be held on Friday, September 27, 2019 from 5-8 PM at Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, MI.

Early in his career, Larry worked as a truck mechanic at the St. Louis Freight Lines and many odd jobs to provide for his family.  Following his graduation from Northwood, he worked at The Dow Chemical Company in Midland, MI as a planner, maintenance supervisor and owner’s representative.  He retired from Dow in 1998 and was one of Michigan Operations leading gas-fired boiler and steam turbine technicians.

In his youth, Larry was an excellent athlete and participated in football, basketball and baseball while at St. Louis.  In particular, he was a skilled, left-handed pitcher who was scouted by the Cincinnati Reds during his senior season.  Larry took great joy coaching many Little League baseball teams while John was young.  Larry was excellent with his hands and repairing anything mechanical, often helping others keeping their cars and appliances in working order.  But first and foremost, Larry was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather.  He treasured his children and grandchildren, whose lives will be changed forever because of him.  Larry will be remembered as a selfless, content and gentle soul – a lovely man, indeed.

Larry is survived by his wife, Sharon; daughter Kelly Devine of Massillon, OH; son John Hagen of Midland, MI; grandson David Devine; granddaughters: Katherine Devine, Jaclyn Hagen and Katie Hagen; sister Marjorie Johnston; and brother Ken (Barb) Hagen.  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.  Larry was preceded in death by his parents, son James, sister Melba, and brother Leroy.

The family would like to thank the outstanding staff of health care providers at Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH who provided excellent care for Larry for many years.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to alleviate medical care expenses incurred or a donation to Larry’s church, First Baptist Church of Jackson (www.fbcj.com) who lovingly shepherded Larry during several years of living in Ohio. Online condolences may be made at smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, MI.