Neil A. Hagans, 89, of West Salem, passed away after a brief illness on Thursday, Dec. 2, 2010 at Hospice of North Central Ohio in Ashland.

Neil was born June 27, 1921 in Congress Township the son of the late Arthur and Bertha (Knopf) Hagans.  He married Louise Daugherty on Oct. 23, 1954 and she survives.  He was a graduate of Lodi High School and served in the U.S. Army during WW II from July 8, 1942 - Nov. 15, 1945 serving in the European, African and Middle Eastern Theaters.  He was a humble hero and few knew he was awarded the third highest military award designated solely for heroism in combat receiving the Silver Star.  He was also awarded the Purple Heart with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Expert Infantryman Badge and the Good Conduct Medal.  He carried shrapnel from the war in his leg throughout his life.

He was a bricklayer by trade and his artistry has been enjoyed by many including visitors to Mohican Lodge.  He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Burbank and the D.A.V.  As a Depression era child, Neil found both joy and comfort in knowing his farm would sustain this family should another depression occur.  The farm provided his wife, 3 sons and 7 grandchildren with life lessons and great memories.  He was not only a military hero he was a hero to his family especially his grandchildren.  Simple treasures of having Grandpa teach them to drive, cheering them on at sporting events and sharing the wisdom of life with a twinkle in his eye are memories that will live in the lives of his grandchildren forever. 

He will be greatly missed by his wife Louise; his three sons and daughters-in-law, Michael (Karen) Hagans of Medina, Greg (Joni) Hagans of West Salem and Kim (Jeri) Hagans of Wooster; his 7 grandchildren, Brandon, Rhett, Paige, Courtney, Chloe, Matthew and Joshua; 5 sisters Bernice Walkden of Wellington, Arline (Glen) Berger of Medina, Doris Hoge of Burbank, Mary Albrecht of Medina and Jeanne Dague of Pearce, AZ and a brother Dale (Daisy) Hagans of Seville.

A brother Glen and a sister Lucille Grim died previously. 

Funeral services will be Monday at 1:00 p.m. at Murray Funeral Home in Creston with Tim Ramsier and Rev. Pat Lintella officiating.  Burial will be at a later date at Burbank Cemetery.  Friends may call Sunday from 2-5 p.m. at Murray Funeral Home in Creston .   Memorials may be made to Hospice of North Central Ohio, 1050 Dauch Dr., Ashland, OH 44805 or Trinity U.M. Church, PO Box 18, Burbank, OH 44214