John “J. E.” Hagans

John E. "J.E." Hagans, 96, of Jackson, passed away Friday, October 21, 2016, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau. He will be greatly missed at the Veterans Home, where he resided the past 9 years.

He was the son of Ernst and Betty Haid Hagans, born January 5, 1920 in Wilton, Missouri. He lived most of his life in Jackson, graduating from Jackson High School in 1939. He married his high school sweetheart, Kathryn Cobble, on January 2, 1942. They had been married almost 71 years when Kathryn passed away December 30, 2012.

J. E. was a lifelong farmer and worked more than 40 years at the former International Shoe Factory in Jackson, retiring in 1985.

He was a member of the VFW and Altenthal-Joerns American Legion Post 158, both in Jackson. He enjoyed hunting-especially quail hunting; gardening; and repairing and repurposing all kinds of things. At the Veterans Home, he particularly enjoyed playing cards and bingo.

He is survived by three children, John Cobble (Melody) Hagans of Jackson, Betty Ann (David) Carleton of Springfield, Missouri, and Martha Sue (Brennan) Colyer of Farmington, New Mexico; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, and a great-granddaughter.

Friends may call Tuesday, October 25, 2016, from 1 to 1:30 p.m., at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, October 25, 2016, at 1:30 p.m., at the funeral home, with the Rev. Grant Gillard officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Presbyterian Church in Jackson or the Missouri Veterans Home Volunteer Fund.