RUSKIN, FL
Jerome “Jerry” Cornelius Hagen, 73, went home to his Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, September 28, 2023. He was a beloved husband, an adoring father and grandfather, a gifted teacher and devoted friend.
Jerry resided in Ruskin, Florida but had previously lived in St. Petersburg. He was born in Huntingburg, Indiana on November 8, 1949 to Cornelius Dewey Hagen and Patricia Sue (Woods) Hagen of Morristown, Indiana. He graduated from Morristown High School in 1967. In 1980, Jerry graduated from Evangel College (now University) in Springfield, MO with a Bachelor’s Degree (BA) in History and Political Science. In 1987, he earned his Juris Doctor (JD) from Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport, FL. Subsequently, Jerry completed special education courses at University of South Florida. He was a certified public school teacher.
Jerry is survived by his treasured mother, Patricia (Woods) Hagen; his loving wife, Teresa (Medina Garcia) Hagen; his eight children including: Angela (Hagen) Free, Paula Hagen, Christopher Bonisa, Jonathan Hagen, Joshua Hagen, Joseph Hagen, Hope (Hagen) Parker, Katie (Hagen) Smith, and two-step children Alonso Hagen and Miguel Zevallos; his 28 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, and his sisters Sue Nickerson and Diana Scott. He was preceded in death by his wonderful father Cornelius Dewey Hagen and his precious brother Stephen Neal Hagen.
Jerry was an inquisitive person who possessed passion in all of his pursuits. When Jerry dreamt of accomplishing something-he did. He loved studying history, law, Abraham Lincoln, education, and the Bible. Jerry was a historian who developed his love for history from his dad, Neal. He was also an inspiring teacher who lit up the classroom with his charisma and zeal. Jerry taught K-12 students in the Pinellas County School Districts, in Florida including Campbellsville Elementary and Boca Ciega High School’s Dropout Prevention Program. He also loved teaching in the special education classrooms both in Indiana and Florida. Jerry’s teaching gifts were recognized by all who knew him, especially his children, grandchildren, and students.
Jerry’s main passions were Jesus, his family, and music. Jerry loved playing the piano and harmonica, singing hymns, and listening to the Golden Oldies. His musical talents, charisma, and passion for Jesus were contagious-leaving behind a legacy. In addition, Jerry loved classical cars (especially Corvettes), baseball, Elvis Presley, shopping at garage sales, and making people laugh. Jerry lived life to the fullest, loved to the fullest, and inspired to the fullest. He will be truly missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, and friends.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2023, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory, 1484 W. US Hwy. 40, Greenfield, IN 46140. A funeral service will take place immediately following the visitation at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Arlington East Hill Cemetery in Arlington, IN.
Memorial contributions may be made by mail to The Salvation Army, 1337 Shelby Street, Indianapolis, IN 46203 or envelopes will be available at the mortuary. Friends may share a memory or condolence at www.erleweinmortuary.com.
