Robert S. Hagan obituary

Robert S. Hagan Obituary

Wichita, Kansas, United States

September 19, 1924 - January 10, 2016

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Robert S. Hagan obituary

Robert S. Hagan Obituary

Sep 19, 1924 - Jan 10, 2016

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GODDARD-Hagan, Robert "Bob" S. Bob Hagan of Goddard, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 10, 2016 at the age of 92. Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Fran; sister, Doris Coffey; son, Tim Hagan; daughter-in-law, Janet and family; daughter, Denise Riesen; grandchildren, Katy, Tyler, Lizzy, Steffi, Rebecca, and Anika. A Rosary will be said at 7:00 PM with a Reception immediately following on Thursday, November 17, 2016. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, November 18, followed by interment with military honors. All services will be held at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 11000 Southwest Blvd., Wichita, Kansas. Bob was born on September 19, 1924 in Kansas City, Missouri, and graduated from East High School in 1941. He joined the Army Air Corps and flew 91 missions in the P-47 Thunderbolt in Europe as part of the 365th Fighter Group the Hell Hawks from August 1944 May 1945. Days after returning from WWII, he married the love of his life, Frances (Fran) Collette on October 7, 1945 in Melville, Louisiana. They were happily married for 71 years. In 1950, Bob was recalled to Air Force active duty and flew the F-84 Thunderjet. He was one of 4 pilots to fly through the cloud of the first hydrogen bomb detonation to collect samples as part of Operation Ivy on November 1, 1952. After leaving active duty he began a career as a test pilot for the Wichita Aircraft Companies Cessna, Learjet, and Beech. He was the first flight test pilot on seven aircraft, most notably the Cessna T-37 that became the primary jet trainer for the USAF for more than 50 years and Learjet Model 23, the first business jet. His faith and family are what Bob treasured most and he was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather. He had a knack for lifting people's spirits and making them laugh with his sense of humor. He enjoyed playing poker with friends and teaching his kids and grandkids to fish and water ski at his home at Lake Waltanna. He was also a talented carpenter - building decks, sheds, treehouses, and volunteering for his Parish at St. Peter's Catholic Church. Bob's warm spirit lives on in the hearts of his loving family and he will be greatly missed. Condolences and fond memories may be left at www.dlwichita.com and memorial contributions to St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church. Arr: Downing & Lahey Mortuary West.
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