Mr. Donald Kenneth Hager, Sr., 92, of Greencastle, PA, passed away Friday, April 3, 2026, at his home, while mowing his grass.
Born January 14, 1934, in Greencastle, he was the son of the late Daniel S. and Helen C. (Higgins) Hager.
Donald married the love of his life, Helen E. (Crist) Hager, on October 20, 1951, in Hagerstown, MD. Together, they shared 74 years of marriage, built on devotion and commitment.
Donald was a man defined by his work ethic. Raised on a farm, he learned early the value of hard work, discipline, and responsibility, qualities that remained with him throughout his life. He worked for 20 years at Frick Company in Waynesboro and then for 25 years at Castle Machine Company in Greencastle, only going part time in his last 5 years there. Even after officially retiring in 2024, he continued to live the kind of life that kept him active and engaged.
He found satisfaction in staying busy and took pride in a job well done. He enjoyed working outdoors, especially caring for his lawn, and also cherished time spent at a cabin in Cowan’s Gap, where he appreciated the mountains and the quiet, they offered.
Donald was Protestant by faith and was known for being straightforward and honest, never one to hide his opinions. Beneath that strong exterior was a devoted husband and a man who valued his independence. As his health declined, it became difficult for him to accept help, as he had always been someone who took care of things himself. That independence remained a defining part of who he was.
In addition to his beloved wife, he is survived by four children: Donald K. Hager, Jr. and his partner, Jeff Watson of Waynesboro, PA; Stephen E. Hager and his wife, Peggy of Pasadena, MD; Curtis K. Hager and his wife, LuAnn of Clay Hill, PA; and Crystal D. Statler of Greencastle, PA. He is also survived by four granddaughters, three grandsons, nine great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Karl H. Hager of Marion, PA; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sons, Allen R. Hager and Gregory W. Hager; one great- granddaughter, Kyra Stoner; and five brothers and four sisters.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, April 13, 2026, at Miller-Bowersox Funeral Home, 521 S. Washington St., Greencastle, with Rev. Dr. A. Robert Cook officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home. There will be no public viewing. Burial will follow in Parklawns Memorial Gardens, Chambersburg.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.bowersoxfuneralhomes.com.
