Richard William Col. Hagauer

He was born June 15, 1928 in Brooklyn, NY. Col. Hagauer obtained a B.S. in Psychology and a M.B.A. from George Washington University.

His distinguished 33-year career in the Air Force began as a private, progressing thru the ranks to Colonel. He graduated as a 2nd Lt with pilot wings in 1949 at the top of his class. His military career included flying assignments in training command and combat flying in Korea and staff assignments at the Pentagon in the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Military Personnel Center in San Antonio.

He received numerous awards while serving his country including an award for Valor from the Korean government and culminating with the Distinguished Service Medal.

After retirement from the military, Col. Hagauer began a second career in the non-profit sector of housing and long-term care facilities. In 1979, he became CEO and later President of Air Force Village Foundation until his retirement in 1996. During his second career, he distinguished himself by doubling the occupancy capacity of Air Force Village by spearheading the construction of the tower and cottages at Air Force Village II, and developing and designing Freedom House, an Alzheimer care facility at Air Force Village II, which became a model in the nation's care for people with dementia.

He served for many years on the Board of Directors of USAA Federal Savings Bank, Seraphic Sisters Nursing Home, and the Texas Association of Homes and Services for the Aging. He was appointed by the Governor of Texas to the Veterans' Continuous Care Committee.

Col. Hagauer was a member of the Gerontology Society of America and authored articles on management which were published in national magazines. Col. Hagauer is preceded in death by his grandson Chris Cannon.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marylu; his children, Sherry Crerie and husband Chet of Scottsdale, AZ, Nancy Garcia and husband Rene of Pueblo West, CO, Karen Cannon and husband Brian of Garden Ridge, Rick Hagauer and wife Linda of Atlanta, GA, and Ron Hagauer and wife Donna of San Antonio; and his grandchildren, Bryan Garcia, Shaun Garcia, Brie Crerie, Grant Crerie, Ashley Hagauer, Rick Hagauer, Kristi Hagauer, and Austin Hagauer.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to Freedom House, 12455 Freedom Way, San Antonio, TX 78245.