Gerald M. Hagler
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Gerald M. Hagler, 73, of Du Quoin, formerly of Pomona, passed away at 12:50 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009 at his home.
Gerald retired from Koppers Company, Inc. in 1993, where he had been an office manager since 1964. He had a great love for farming, which he enjoyed until his second retirement in 2002. In Gerald's retirement years, he enjoyed reading his Bible, working in his garden and in his woodworking shop. He was a productive gardener and an excellent craftsman of swings, chairs, and other woodwork. He most enjoyed giving away the fruits of his labor in both garden and shop. He was a 1954 graduate of Alto Pass High School and a member of the Apache basketball team. He had served in the U.S. Army from 1959 until 1962. He was a member of the American Legion Post 127. For years he was a member of Mount Pleasant Jerusalem Christian Church, where he served as a deacon. He was also a member of the Second Baptist Church in Du Quoin. Gerald loved many people, but most of all he loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and always put Him first in his life.
He was born June 22, 1936 at Pomona, Ill., the son of Arthur Melvin Hagler and Hazel Dell Tripp (Rawlings).
He married Marcia Gay Hunt on Nov. 29, 1957. From his union with Marcia, they had four children, two sons - Wallace Hagler and wife Brenda of Murphysboro and Lowell Allen Hagler, deceased, two daughters - Michele Forby and husband Dwain of Makanda and Linda Jo Hagler of Carbondale. He married Mary Katherine Russell on Jan. 3, 1998. From his union with Kathy, he added to his family, one son - Russell Martie and wife Tammy of Murphysboro and one daughter - Lori Lee and husband Kent of Murphysboro.
Surviving grandchildren are Eric Forby and wife Bonnie, Angela Knaub and husband Markus, Katie Forby, Jessie Jo Warner, Brandy Warner, Lydia Thornburg, Dillon Lee, Rachel Lee and Grace Martie. He had one great grandson - Jacob Forby and was anxiously awaiting the births of two more great grandchildren. He is also survived by one sister - Maretta Alley and husband LaDell of Murphysboro, one brother - Wayne Rawlings and wife Ann of Florissant, Mo., sister-in-law - Belinda Biggers and husband Fred of Walnut Ridge, Ark., brothers-in-law - Clyde Hunt of Carbondale, Donald Hunt of Daleville, Va., sister-in-law - Goldie Hunt of Minnesota, and special friend - Iris Montgomery. He also leaves behind many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Gerald will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him. Special thanks to neighbors, friends and church communities of Du Quoin for their thoughts and prayers.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife - Marcia, his son - Lowell, one granddaughter - Marci Kristine Forby, mother-in-law - Bettie Corso, and brother-in-law - Dennis Russell.
Funeral services were at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009 at the Second Baptist Church in Du Quoin with Rev. Kent Eaton officiating.
There was a memorial service held at the Mt. Pleasant Jerusalem Christian Church at Pomona before burial.
Friends called from 5 to 8 p.m., Saturday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin and from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service at the church on Sunday.
Burial was in the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery at Pomona, Ill.
Military graveside rites were conducted.
In lieu of flowers, friends may make memorials to Downs Syndrome Association and/or the Second Baptist Church of Du Quoin and will be accepted at the funeral home.
For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.