Thomas “Tom” Edward Hagan, 93, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away May 8, 2026. Born November 29, 1932, in Louisville, Kentucky, Tom was the son of the late John Hagan and Virginia Lee (Shyrock) Hagan. A beloved presence to those who knew him, Tom carried himself with a steady wisdom and a quiet strength that inspired confidence and comfort in family, friends, and fellow veterans alike.
Tom married the love of his life, Elizabeth “Bette” Hagan, in 1953. Together they shared nearly 70 years of marriage, until her death on January 23, 2022. Their long life together stood as a testament to devotion and faithfulness—enduring, steadfast, and deeply cherished.
Tom served his country with honor, first in the Army during the Korean War, and later in the Air Force, where he served in Vietnam. His military career took him across the United States and Japan before he retired after 20 years of service from Grissom AFB in Peru. His brave commitment to duty was matched by a hard-working spirit at home; after settling in Kokomo, he worked for several years as an electrician with Delco Electronics.
Service remained central to Tom’s life long after retirement. He volunteered extensively with veterans’ groups, helping others with the same dependable dedication he brought to every responsibility. He headed the start-up for the first Vietnam Veterans Reunion, served as a representative for the League of Families for MIA, and gave his time to work and photograph anything and everything connected to veterans. Tom always had a camera—ready to preserve moments, honor stories, and ensure that service and sacrifice were remembered. In recognition of his good works, he received the Kentucky Colonel and Sagamore of the Wabash awards.
Tom is survived by his daughter, Melissa Miles (Ricky); his special friend, Jaime Kurowsky; and his brother, John Hagan. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth “Bette” Hagan; his father, John Hagan; his mother, Virginia Hagan; his brother, Royce Hagan; his sisters-in-law, Marie Hagan, Doris Williams, and Suzanne Hagan; and his brother-in-law, Leo Williams.
There will be a funeral service for Tom on Friday, May 15, 2026, at 1:00 pm at St. Patrick Church at 1204 N. Armstrong St., Kokomo. Friends may visit prior to the service starting at 9:00am. Burial with Military Honors will take place Monday, May 18, 2026, at 11:00 am at Marion National Cemetery, 1700 E 38th St, Marion, IN 46953.
Tom’s life reflected faithful purpose, courageous service, and a generous devotion to others. His example—steady, wise, and deeply inspirational—will be remembered with gratitude and enduring respect.
