FORD, KANSAS – Surrounded by love, Jerry A. Hager, 89, peacefully departed this life on December 21, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of a life well lived and treasured memories.

He was born January 19, 1936 at Ford, the son of Ansel and Mina M. (Snook) Hager.  He was a graduate of Ford High School and received his Bachelor's from Kansas State University.  Jerry wore many hats during his life. He primarily was a farmer and rancher most of his life but also taught school at WaKeeney, Kansas, Hoisington, Kansas and Dodge City Community College.  He was probably more well known for his many other business ventures, including Taco Pete in Dodge City, and Jerry's Blue Hereford in Ford. He jumped right into any business idea that his wife, Joanne, came up with, whether it be a yarn shop, a country store featuring gifts and candy, or a flower shop just to name a few. He also did a short stint as a news anchor for KTVC in Ensign, KS in between harvest seasons.

He was a member of the Congregational Church of Kinsley, Masonic Lodge, and Shriners. He also served on various boards including the Conservation District and Farm Bureau.

On June 8, 1954 he married Joanne Manis at Syracuse, Kansas.  She preceded him in death on July 3, 1994.  On July 15, 2000, he married Barbara Glenn at Wilroads Gardens near Dodge City.  She survives.

Other survivors include: 4 children, Steve Hager, Bucklin, Mark Hager (Kay), Dodge City, Kimberly Freeman (Dean), Franklin, Tennessee and Kyle Hager(Lisa), Ford; 10 grandchildren, Casey(Nathan), Colton(Chelsea), Zachary(Kate), Jessica(Alex), Nicole(Josh), Shamus, Jeffrey, Zane, Brandy(Mark), James(Rikki), and 14 great grandchildren, and a sister.

He was also preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral service will be at 1:00 pm Monday, December 29, 2025 at the Congregational Church of Kinsley, with Pastor Kenton Kersting officiating.  Burial will follow in the Ford Cemetery.  Visitation will be Sunday December 28th from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Ziegler Funeral Chapel, 1901 N. 14th Ave., Dodge City.

The family suggests memorials to Hill Top House in Bucklin or the Congregational Church of Kinsley both in care of Minnis Mortuary, 1901 N. 14th Ave., Dodge City, Kansas 67801.