Herman C. Hagen Jr.

Herman Carl Hagen Jr. left us on Saturday, July 25, 2026. Herman was a kind, loving, and could be a really goofy guy. He was a fiercely loving husband, father (Pappy, Pops), Uncle (Junior), grandfather (Papa), and great-grandpa (Pops). He was very protective of all and did anything and everything he could for any friends or family.

Herman was 78 when the Lord took him home. He was born November 18, 1947, to Herman Sr. and Mary Hagen in the new St. Rose De Lima Hospital. He spent his childhood in Henderson, graduating from Basic High School in 1966. He worked a few odd jobs before enlisting in the US Air Force.

The US Air Force trained him to be an Operations Specialist, and he used those skills working the flight line in Vietnam for a year of duty. His service led him to many military installations: New Mexico, California, Alaska, Florida, and finally Nevada. Herman retired with the rank of Master Sergeant after 20 years of service.

During his service, Herman managed to go to college, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education. Herman spent 30+ years as a teacher with the Clark County School District. He retired from his teaching career in 2015.

Herman joined the VFW in 1986, where he proudly served in several capacities. He served both locally and in the State chairs, eventually rising to State Commander in 2011-2012.

In the fall of 1987, Herman met his wife, Carol. The mother of three children, he took on the role of Dad, helping to raise them to adulthood. His other children, Steven and James, from a previous marriage, were grown by this time. His family thought he was a little crazy, a woman with so much baggage, lol. But love makes you do funny things, and Herman and Carol were married in July of 1989 and remained happily together until his passing. However, we mustn't forget that he always maintained, "I don't like dogs or kids".

Herman was preceded in death by his parents, Herman Sr. and Mary Hagen; his sister, Laura Burger; his beautiful granddaughter, Jessica Hagen; and his beloved service dog, Cocoa.

Herman's life and legacy will live on in his remaining family. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Carol; sons: Steven Hagen (Blue), James Hagen (Jerrie), Michael W Johnson Jr. (Crystal); daughters: Jamie Penney (Jim), and Danielle Hurte (Brandon). He is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the First Henderson United Methodist Church, 609 E. Horizon Dr., Henderson, NV 89015.

He will be laid to rest with full military honors on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 11:20 AM at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, Nevada.