Funeral services for former longtime Wiley, farmer Thomas E. "Tom" Jagers were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 10, 2004, at Valley Memorial Funeral Chapel in Lamar. Elder Marvin Lane High Priest Bob Hacker, Tom's cousin, co-officiated, both of the Community of Christ Church. Burial followed in the Wiley Cemetery with fraternal graveside services by the Lamar Elks Lodge No. 1319.
Mr. Jagers, age 68, and recently of Campo, departed this life on Friday, March 5, 2004, at his home in Campo with his family nearby.
Tom was born April 23, 1935, at the family home just west of Lamar and moved south of Wiley when he was about two years old. He graduated from Wiley High School with the Class of 1953.
Tom always had a devoted interest in agriculture and livestock and was an active member of Future Farmers of America, an organization in which he achieved numerous honors such as Chapter Farmer, Chapter Star Farmer, State Star Farmer, State President and ultimately American Farmer. He excelled in judging livestock production, soil and water management, public speaking, farm safety and numerous other achievements.
He continued this love by taking great pride in helping not only his children but also his nine grandchildren with livestock projects at various county fairs, the Colorado State Fair, Denver Stock Show and other shows around the country where they were successful. Tom himself had been a successful competitor in livestock competitions when he was young and enjoyed helping young people in the same way.
Tom spent 12 years on the Wiley School Board and always helped with 4-H and other community activities. He was a member of Wiley Lions Club and Lamar Elks Club.
Tom was a strong believer in God, people and progress. Besides farming a large farm and installing one of the first pivot sprinklers in the area, he was a seed dealer most of his life. He always had a herd of cattle and usually some sheep, hogs and horses. He developed a hay mill and delivered alfalfa products to a large area. For a period of time he drilled irrigation wells for many surrounding farms in addition to wells for the home farm, one of which was the first irrigation wells in the area.
During the past few years he became interested in developing a registered Angus herd. He loved studying about pedigree and driving around among the cattle checking them.
Tom loved traveling and meeting people and during his life was able to see a large part of the U.S. in addition to some of Mexico and Canada.
Tom met Gwendolyn (Gwen) Crozier from Nebraska at church camp and married her there two years later on Aug. 22, 1953. To this union were born four wonderful children, the pride of his life.
Tom was diagnosed with leukemia about six years ago, being told four years ago that he wouldn't live until the end of the year. He got on a study through Oregon Health Science University in Portland, Oregon, and immediately became well enough to pursue a relatively normal life. About a year and a half ago the drug started to weaken and he tried numerous studies, all of which failed. He was tough and kept fighting until the end. He felt that if the many trials and studies he was on didn't work for him maybe they would help someone else in the future.
A wonderful man has gone to meet his Maker even though his family and friends will always miss him and remember the many good lessons he taught them throughout his life.
Tom always believed in thinking positive. He would get up every morning of his life regardless of what had happened the day before with a feeling of New Hope and a New Day. He liked the statement, "Stop telling God how big your storm is, instead tell your storm how big your God is."
Tom is survived by his wife, Gwen of Campo; children, Rod (Karen) Jagers of Lamar, Debbie (Bill) Morris of Hooper, Shana (Darrel) Wait of Campo and Dean (Christi) Jagers of Springfield; nine grandchildren, Lance (Taya) Jagers of Eads, Jamie Morris of Hooper, Lindsay Jagers (Lennie) Samuels of Brush, Casey Jagers of Goodwell, Oklahoma, Kyle Wait of Campo, Jana Morris of Hooper, Trey Jagers of Springfield, Preston Wait of Campo, and Jill Morris of Hooper, and great-granddaughter, Cassidy Jagers of Eads; sisters, Betty (Gerald) Horn of Fort Lupton and Kathryn (Carl) Lindholm of Holly; sisters-in-law, Arlene (Carlin) Talcott of Independence, Missouri, Betty (George) Bryant of Elk Grove, Missouri. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other family members and a host of neighbors and friends.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Ed Dean Jagers and Ellendale (Davison) Jagers; his parents-in-law, Jesse and Faye (Payne) Crozier of Independence, Missouri, and a brother-in-law, Wayne Myers of Lamar.
The prelude and postlude for Mr. Jagers service were taped country musical selections.
The funeral service began with a taped song, "I'm Movin' on." Elder Marvin Lane continued with a scripture reading from James 3:13 and a prayer for God to receive Tom into his next adventure and new journey into heaven.
After a second song, "Go Rest High on That Mountain," Mr. Frank McSwan began a time of celebration of remembrances entitled "My Friend Tom." Frank spoke of meeting with Tom several weeks ago and Tom asking him to share about their friendship. Tom did not want a formal speech, so Frank spoke of his mental snapshots of his friend. He shared of their working relationship and their many travels through the country. He spoke of Tom as a man who loved to see things grow; who lived with a zest for life, always took the road less traveled, and saw a misfortune as but a new challenge.
Next, Lance Jagers, Tom's oldest grandchild, came forth to share "Grandchildren's Memories." He talked of Tom being their best teacher in life, always there to show the way, and everything he did as being a lesson. Two of those lessons were "If you work hard everyday you'll be successful" and "If you learn something everyday, you'll be an achiever."
Next, High Priest Bob Hacker shared in scripture from Matthew 17:18-21 and read the obituary. The service continued with Elder Marvin Lane sharing his personal comments. He too had visited with Tom just days before and likewise was told, "No sad funeral message." Elder Lane spoke of Tom as always playing to win, but being fair and honest in life. He accepted whatever he was dealt in life, and even when he was facing death, because he knew there was more to life. Tom wasn't eager to die, but he was ready and prepared to step across to the other side. He concluded with the thought of Tom as a great husband and father, a good friend to many, and now exploring those back roads of his new life in heaven.
Following a closing prayer by High Priest Bob Hacker and a final song, "Hero's," the large gathering of friends and family proceeded to the Wiley Cemetery for the graveside committal service.
Those serving as casket bearers were Tom's grandsons, Lance Jagers, Casey Jagers, Trey Jagers, Kyle Wait and Preston Wait. Designated as honorary bearers were "All of Tom's Many Friends."
Following the conclusion of the graveside committal and the Elks fraternal rites, the family received everyone in a time of fellowship and a memorial meal at the Wiley Community Center, prepared and served by the women of Wiley.
Visitation and funeral services were under the direction of Valley Memorial Funeral Chapel.