Joseph "Eddie" Hager

Joseph was born in Lima, OH to Prince and Margaret Hager on July 9th, 1946. He went to school in Lima. He married Margaret Mathis Hager on June 29th, 1974 in Winter Park, FL. He graduated from Hillsborough Community College with an AS degree in Architectural Construction Technology. He worked as a carpenter for the VA Hospital for 25 years. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War and served in the Navy. He was awarded 2 Bronze Service Stars, the National Defense Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He served on the USS Intrepid aircraft carrier and the USS Forrestal super aircraft carrier. He was a proud Navy veteran, who was rarely seen without a Naval ballcap on his head. He was a dedicated husband and father, who shared his confidence and faith in Jesus Christ to anyone who would listen.

Joseph is preceded in death by Prince Hager and Margaret Shelton Hager.

Joseph is survived by his wife, Margaret Mathis Hager, his son John Hager and his wife Miranda Hager, his daughter Kim Ocasio and her husband Anthony Ocasio, his sisters Patricia Campbell and Betty Deane, his grandchildren Amelia and Joshua Hager, and Dylan and Natalie Ocasio.

Pallbearers will be John Hager, Anthony Ocasio, Mike Hinson, Mathew Strell, Ryan Atwood, and James Raymer.

Funeral services will be held at 11am on Thursday, December 19th, 2024 at Blount and Curry Funeral Home-Terrace Oaks Chapel with James Raymer of Encounter Church Tampa, officiating. Burial will follow at Sarasota National Cemetery. Arrangements are by Blount and Curry Funeral Home.

The family of Joseph Hager wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Marian Menezes, Lifepath Hospice, and all those involved in Joseph’s care in his final months.