Robert David Hager

With broken hearts, our family announces the passing of Robert (Bob) David Hager on Sunday, April 3, 2022 in Winter Haven, Florida. Bob was a loving man; he loved his family, and his actions proved it every minute of every day. He loved music and shared it freely with both friends and strangers. He loved helping others and did so without a second thought. And he loved God and shared God’s word through music.

On August 13, 1949, Bob was born in Huntington, West Virginia, the third child of Cyrus and Hilda Hager. He is survived by his wife Donna, son Jeffrey, daughters Dawn Ridley (Mark), Robin Whitcomb (Dustin), grandchildren Andrew and Charlotte Hager, sister Gloria Heiden and many nieces and nephews He was predeceased by his parents, Bill C. Hager (brother), Noah Smalley (father-in-law), and Dotty Smalley (mother-in-law).

He spent his early years in West Virginia and Kentucky until his family moved to Florida. Growing up in Titusville, he was thrilled to watch missiles launch from Cape Canaveral. He graduated from Titusville High School, where he lettered in Wrestling and Diving and played the baritone saxophone in band. Bob attended Brevard Junior College in Cocoa, where he was the first president of his fraternity. He volunteered and was proud of his military service in the US Army: after advanced training, he was stationed in Germany.

Upon returning from his military service, he married the love of his life, Donna, and the two moved to Winter Haven. He was a kind, loving, fun husband and in 2021, they celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary. He enjoyed and was proud of his children and grandchildren. Bob loved family time, dancing, bicycling and playing music. Bob was a lifetime learner and teacher. When a topic interested him, he would read and study until he had attained expertise. He taught his children how to use tools, install home improvements, change their oil, and many other useful mechanical and maintenance skills.

Bob retired as a maintenance foreman from IMC in Bartow, Florida in 1999. After retirement, he discovered he had great cooking skills, but playing the guitar was Bob’s true passion, and helping others to learn the guitar and improve their skills was his favorite pastime. He passed his knowledge of playing musical instruments to many people, including his daughters, Dawn and Robin. For 45 years, he was a dedicated member of church choirs in Winter Haven, Lakeland, and Titusville.

Accompanying his son, Jeffrey, on a submarine ride from Port Canaveral to Groton, Connecticut was the most exciting trip he ever took. He loved observing his son work and was impressed with all the submariners’ skills and teamwork. When they docked, he was happy to put his feet on dry land again and decided that once was enough.

Following God’s commandments, Bob honored his mother and mother-in law by caring for them in their final years. He was dedicated to providing compassionate care and his generosity of time and patience with both mothers was a wonderful gift.

Bob had many Bible verses that he loved and lived his life using them as guidance. A favorite was “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart: and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” Matthew 11:28-30.

Bob will be greatly missed by his family who look forward to reuniting with him in Heaven.

The family invites you to honor Bob’s memory at a funeral mass on Thursday, April 21, 2022, 10am at The Chapel at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 532 Ave M NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Ott-Laughlin.com for the Hager family.