On February 2nd, 2014, Donald R. Hagel, M.D passed away in Jacksonville, FL. He was born in Omaha, NE on February 18, 1924 and was raised in Rushville, NE. He attended public schools in Rushville and was active in all high school sports, especially football, and received All State honors in 1942. Don grad-uated from Rushville High School in 1942 and enrolled at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln.
He joined the Army Air Force Reserves on December 13, 1942 and was called to active duty on February 22, 1943. In December, 1943 he was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. and was assigned to the 730th Bombardment Squadron, 452nd Bombardment Group and piloted B-17 heavy bombers from Deopham Green, UK. He flew 39 bombing missions over France and Germany including support of the D-Day invasion and bombing raids on military and industrial sites.
Before going overseas, Dr. Hagel married his high school sweetheart, Bette Lou Wefso, on August 27th, 1944. After his return from Europe, they returned to Lincoln and he re-entered the University of Nebraska as a pre-med student. In 1947 they moved to Omaha, NE where he entered the College of Medicine. Dr. Hagel received his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1951 and completed his rotating internship at the University Hospital in Omaha in 1952. He completed residency Ob-Gyn programs in St. Luke's and St. Vincent Hospitals in Jacksonville, FL and six years of preceptorship with Dr. Joseph Coudon. He then joined partnership with Dr. Coudon.
Dr. Hagel served as President of the Jacksonville Hospitals Educational Program from 1974-76, Secretary of St. Vincents Medical Staff from 1967-72, Chief of St. Vincents Medical Staff from 1972-73 and Chief of St. Vincents Ob-Gyn Dept. from 1976-82. In 1984 he retired from obstetrics (Having delivered over 14,000 babies) and from the practice of gynecology in 1988. At that time he joined the Duval County Public Health Unit as Senior Physician and developed The Women's Health Service. He also served as Clinical Assistant Professor of Ob-Gyn at the University of Florida College of Medicine. In 1989 he received the HRS "Physician of the Year" Award.
Dr. Hagel was a member of many medical societies, a member of Rotary International and received a Paul Harris Award in 1976. He was also a long-time member of the Timuquana Country Club. He was a communicant of St. Marks Episcopal Church since 1952, and served on the Vestry and as a Lay-Reader and Chalice Bearer.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Bette, his two daughters, Jennifer Pate (Robert) and Robin Cooper (Brad), and two grandchildren Matthew (Kimberly) and Andrew (Shirley), and his daughter-in-law, Katherine. His son Gregory preceded him in death.
The family would like to thank Drs. Brian and Tea Stephens of Little Black Bag Medical, the staff at Elmcroft of Timberland Park and everyone at Community Hospice for their compassion and care.
A visitation will be held at Hardage- Giddons Funeral Home, 729 S. Edgewood Ave. on Saturday, February 8th, from 5pm-7pm with a memorial service and reception at St. Marks Episcopal Church, 4129 Oxford Ave. on Monday February 10th at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Marks Episcopal Church and Community Hospice.
Arrangements under the direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, Jacksonville, FL.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
April 22, 2014
Betty Harper-crawford
I'm sorry for the lost of your beloved husband and special individual. Dr. Hagel was so dear and verymuch loved at the Center For Women he was always ready and willing to help any in need. Dr.Hagel reminded me so much of my grand father he was a veryloving and caring person and will be missed by so many, the lives he touched he was SPECIAL to us at Duval Cty Health Department. Again i'm sorry for the lost of Dr. Donald Hagel.
March 6, 2014
Joyce wynn
Dr. Hagel delivered 2 of my 3 children when I was so very young and he was also young. But he took care of me. Dr. Coudon delivered my 3rd child. What a find doctor he was.
February 19, 2014
doug brown
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
February 17, 2014
Pola Kelly
Dr. Hagel delivered my tiny son in 1955. My son weighed 3lb 10oz. Dr. Hagel gave me hope and courage my baby would live. Today my son is a doctor. Praise for Dr. Hagel...! He was a great doctor. My son has delivered many babies but not as many as Dr. Hagel.
February 17, 2014
Mary Murphy
My sympathies to the family and friends of Dr Hagel. He delivered my 2 girls in 1965 and 1966. He was my doctor for many years.
February 9, 2014
Jackie Yates
Betty and Family,
Dr. Hagel was the very best there was! He was such a wonderful man. He delivered my daughter, Robin in 1956, and helped me through some rough times too. He had a wonderful sense of humor that we enjoyed. I was young and very nervous the first time I saw him, but he always made me feel better with his jokes and laugh. He was my doctor until we left Jax to come to Macon. I know you will miss him and so will many others who passed through his life. I lost my husband last July. May God Bless each of you in the days ahead. You all are in my prayers.
February 8, 2014
Georgia MacLean
Dear Bette, I was so sorry to read about Don. He was one of my heros. He delivered my third child and first boy on November 1,1955, the day before the Fla.Georgia game. He brought a radio into my room and we listened to the game together. My sister-in-law used my ticket and went with my husband to the game. His kindness made me less lonely that day. He was a great doctor and delivered four more of my seven children. God Bless him. I know you and family will miss him.
February 7, 2014
Jenni Lindsey
Dr. Hagel was one of my favorite doctors while I worked at St. V's L&D from 1978-1998. It is with great sadness that I heard of his death. I have been doing Hospice nursing since I left Jax., and I hope Dr. Hagel was kept comfortable by my Hospice sisters.
February 7, 2014
Bill Fead
Thanks for your Military Service to Our Country.
Past Commander V.F.W.
February 7, 2014
James Goodwin
We owe our daughters life to Dr. Hagel. in 1966 when my wife was in labor, he told me that he was going to do a c section as he felt both our daughter and my wife were struggling, after delivery he came out and told me that our daughter had the embulicle cord wrapped around her throat 3 times. If we had gone through a normal delivery she most likely would have been brain damaged. I will never forget Dr. Hagel, what a great man he was.
February 7, 2014
I was sad to learn that Dr. Hagel had passed away. He was a friend of my father, Dr. Jackson L. Allgood, Jr. MD, OBGYN at St. Vincents Hospital. I only met him a few times but remember him as a very nice man.
February 7, 2014
To our Dear Friends Robin Brad and family, Words can not express the sorrow for the loss of your Father.He was such a sweet and dignified Gentelman,Iam sure There are many people who would like to adequately Thank Him for being such a Mentor to them in The Medical Field......I remember many years back him having such a good time at the Greek festival at the Morroco Temple, And the proud look he had when you and Brad got married,,,Iam sure he is already up above doing all the great things he did here, Just no longer in Pain and finally at peace.....Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you all at this difficult time...David&Jeannie Eichenlaub and Ms Pat XXXOOO
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CLOSED-Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home - Jacksonville729 South Edgewood Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32205
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