It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Thomas Edward Hager, who, at 77, traded his well-worn Buckeyes hat for a heavenly halo on July 20, 2025. Born on July 9, 1948, Tom was a lifelong resident of Mansfield, Ohio, a proud graduate of Mansfield Senior High, and a man who lived life with a warm smile and a joke always at the ready.
Tom retired from Richland County Job and Family Services, but his real passion lay in his beloved family, friends, community, and his Ohio sports teams. A dedicated member of the Mansfield Elks #56, he served as a past Exalted Ruler, bringing his signature blend of a steady-guiding hand with good-natured ribbing to the role. He was a proud member of the Amvets Post #26.
Tom found immense happiness in the everyday rhythm and simple joys of life with his cherished wife, Betty. Their journey together showcased a beautiful devotion, as they were truly inseparable partners and best friends. Anyone who knew Tom knew his unwavering dedication to the Buckeyes, Browns, and Indians, which he instilled in his children. He’d cheer his teams on with great fervor, though his deepest test of patience, however, came from his lifelong wish to see the Browns in the Super Bowl. We're pretty sure he's already found the best seat up there, preparing himself for the inevitable heartbreaks that only a Browns fan can understand. He also channeled his love for sports into coaching his sons, Tom, Toby, and Tyler, in youth baseball, and later, was their biggest fan at high school games. He later extended the same devoted fandom to his grandchildren, serving as one of their biggest supporters at numerous football, cheer, baseball, basketball, soccer, golf, and musical events. Tom was a talented golfer, and beyond the fairways, he had a green thumb, spending countless hours gardening and sharing his love for flowers with his daughter, Lori. He was also renowned for his canned peppers and German-style pigs, a New Year’s tradition many looked forward to.
Friendships were a cornerstone of Tom’s life. A good and loyal friend, he loved reminiscing about escapades with his lifelong friends, including John Slaybaugh, Denny Berry, Nelson Whisler, John Kurtz, Bob Boebel, Greg Dalton, John Claus, Bob “Duke” Kemle, Tim Rimmer, and Ralph Haller, among many other valued friends. His favorite story to tell was the time he and Greg unexpectedly won the State Elks Lodge Bowling Tournament using a “lane ball.” It was a testament to his knack for finding humor in the unexpected, proving that the best moments are often the most unscripted.
Tom leaves behind his dearly loved wife, Elizabeth “Betty”, who will miss his quirky wit and steady companionship. He leaves his children and their spouses, in whom he took immense pride: Lori, Tom (Robin), Toby, and Tyler (Emily). His legacy continues through his grandchildren, whom he adored: Madison, Trey, Peyton, and Avery. Tom is also survived by Joann Burns, mother of Tom and Lori, as well as cousins Tim (Deborah) Hager, Gary Hager, Kathy Cloes, Deb Komjenovich, and Bill Kemle. Tom was preceded in death by his mother, Josephine; father, Nick; brother, Rick; cousin, Bob “Duke” Kemle; and his uncles and aunts, Al (Irma) Hager and Nick (Babe) Komjenovich.
A gathering of family and friends will be held from 2:00-4:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Wappner Funeral Directors and Crematory-Ontario, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. A time to share memories of Tom will follow at 4:30 p.m. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Amvets Post #26, where we’ll raise a glass and share favorite stories of a man who truly made the world a brighter, funnier place.
