Bishop Ricky Joseph Hager

Bishop Ricky Joseph Hager entered his heavenly home on September 17, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born on February 28, 1967, Ricky lived a life deeply rooted in faith, family, love, and service to others.

Ricky was the son of Leona Hager and the late Douglas Wayne Hager. Throughout his life, he carried a simple but powerful philosophy that became one of his favorite sayings: “Outwork, Outlove, and Outlast.” These were more than words to Ricky; they reflected the way he lived. He worked hard, loved deeply, remained faithful through adversity, and encouraged those around him to do the same.

Above all else, Ricky’s purpose in life was to tell everyone he could about the love of Jesus Christ. As a gifted Bishop and Pastor, he devoted his life to ministry and to leading others to know Christ. His ministry extended far beyond the pulpit. He was a teacher, encourager, mentor, and friend who poured himself into people and sought to demonstrate the love of Jesus through both his words and his actions.

God blessed Ricky with extraordinary musical gifts. He possessed an amazing singing voice and was a talented musician and composer. Remarkably, he taught himself to play the piano and went on to learn many other instruments. Music became another way for him to worship, minister, encourage others, and share the faith that meant so much to him.

While he carried many titles throughout his life, some of his most treasured roles were those closest to home. Ricky was a devoted husband and loving father. His memory will forever be cherished in the heart of his beloved wife of 39 years, Stacey Engel Hager, who faithfully shared his life, ministry, joys, and trials.

His legacy continues through his three sons, Brandon Joseph Hager, Timothy Daniel Hager, and Caleb Wayne Hager, whom he loved deeply. The faith, wisdom, lessons, music, and love he poured into his family will continue through them and through the many lives he touched.

Ricky is also survived by his brother, Dennis Hager (Yolanda); brothers-in-law, Timothy Roy Engel (Rhonda) and Kenneth Henry Engel (Donna); mother-in-law, Mary Spencer Engel; nephews, Timothy “TJ” Engel and Bryan Clark; nieces, Brittney Chabert and Bridget Hager LeDesma (John); great-nieces, Tatum Claire Hager and Camila Mae LeDesma; great-nephew, Luca LeDesma; and a host of loving aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, church family, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Douglas Wayne Hager; his grandparents; his uncle, C.J. Chaisson; his brother-in-law, William Daniel Engel; and his father-in-law, Roy Raymond Engel.

When Ricky was not ministering or making music, he especially enjoyed fishing. Whether he was behind a pulpit, sitting at a piano, spending time on the water, talking with a friend, mentoring someone who needed guidance, or simply being with his family, Ricky had a way of leaving an impression on the people around him.

His life cannot be measured simply by the years he lived, but by the lives he touched, the people he loved, the songs he sang, the wisdom he shared, and most importantly, the message of Jesus Christ that he faithfully proclaimed.

Bishop Ricky Joseph Hager leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, music, ministry, perseverance, and love. Though his earthly voice is now still, the message he spent his life sharing continues to speak through every person whose life was changed because he cared enough to tell them about Jesus.

He fought his battle courageously, kept his faith, and finished his race. His family takes comfort in knowing that the Savior Ricky spent his life telling others about was there to welcome him home.

And to those who remain, Ricky leaves words that so perfectly capture the way he lived: “Outwork. Outlove. Outlast.”

Family and friends are invited to attend the Celebration of Bishop Ricky's Life on Saturday, October 3, 2026 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at Westside/Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 5101 Westbank Expressway in Marrero.