Edward Narce Hager, 77, passed away peacefully at home in Desha, AR, on March 10, 2025. He was born on October 15, 1947, in Batesville, AR, to the late William Narce Hager and Anna (Hassell) Hager. Ed graduated from Sulphur Rock High School in 1964 and married Janice (Patterson) Hager in 1968. He was a member of Southside Church of Christ. Ed started his career at Vickers Animal Hospital. He was the seventh person in the State of Arkansas to receive a Certified Animal Technician License. Throughout the years he worked at Ideal Bakery, Royce Wilson Farms, and retired from the Southside Public Water Authority. In addition to always working full-time, he farmed hay and cattle. He was an avid PBR, rodeo and NASCAR fan. Ed also loved classic country music, and he especially loved to hear a cryin’ steel guitar.
Ed is survived by his daughter, Raye Ann Hager (Michael George); nieces, Carla (Hager) Simer and Sylvia Waites; nephew, Rondell Hager; and Grand Dog, Dixie. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife of fifty-two years, Janice (Patterson) Hager; brothers, Leroy Hager, Eldon Hager, and Ray Hager; and sister, Mary Dean Groce.
There will be a Visitation held at Willis Funeral Service Chapel on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, from 5 PM until 7 PM. The funeral service, also held at Willis Funeral Service Chapel, will begin at 2 PM on Thursday, March 13, 2025. Interment will follow at Kyler Cemetery in Southside, AR.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Andy Walmsley, Mike Young, Scott Williams, Dr. James Waymack, DVM, Dr. Mark Liles, DVM, and Ronnie Gay. Honorary pallbearers are Jimmy Clark, Phil Poff, Harry Treadway, Dr. Winston Vickers, DVM, Dr. Scott Nicholson, DVM, Dr. Tommy Richardson, DVM, Dr. Bill Nixon, DVM, Dr. Bobby Welch, DVM, Bill Coles, David White, Clyde Bullard, Steve Millikin, Bobby Smithee, Johnny Knabe, Dwayne Milikin, Robert Foster, Royce Wilson, and Larry Reeves.
Special thanks to Mitzi Hargan, Phil Poff, Bobbi Tosh and staff, Arkansas Hospice, and his caregivers, Donna Jobe and Marsha Choate.
