SFC (Ret) Melvin Joseph Hagerty

SFC (Ret) Melvin Joseph Hagerty, son of the late Louis and Madeline (Schmitt) Hagerty, was born November 4, 1934 in Epworth, Iowa. As a young boy, Melvin grew up on the family farm. On February 13, 1956, Melvin entered the United States Army and served his country faithfully until his retirement on September 30, 1979 after 23 years of service. He had attained the rank of Sergeant First Class and earned several awards and commendations; some of which included: National Defense Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal (2nd Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Commendation Medal (2nd Oak Leaf Cluster), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal (5th Award), Expert Qualification Badge M16 and M14, Vietnam Service Medal w/ 2 Silver Service Stars and Vietnam Service Medal w/3 Bronze Service Stars. Five of his years of service were spent in the Vietnam War. On April 27, 1972, Melvin was united in marriage to Phuong Thi Nguyen in Illinois. They shared over 42 years of marriage together and shared seven children: Jason, Jennifer, Jessica, Kim, Melvin, Deb and Patricia. After retiring from the military, Melvin began working as a civilian on Fort Leonard Wood in 1982. At the age of 77, he was the second oldest working civilian on the post. He worked at the Engineer Warrant Officer Course. Melvin retired as a DOD civilian at the age of 79 after 30yrs of service with a combined service of 53yrs In his spare time, Melvin enjoyed being outdoors while mowing his lawn and driving his tractor. He also liked to watch westerns, but most importantly, he loved spending time with his grandchildren. Melvin passed away Tuesday, February 17, 2015 in the Phelps County Regional Medical Center of Rolla, Missouri having attained the age of 80 years, 3 months and 13 days. He will be sadly missed by all those that knew and loved him. Melvin leaves to cherish his memory, his wife: Phuong Hagerty of St. Robert, MO; six children: Jason Hagerty and wife Erica of Waynesville, MO, Jennifer Wallace and husband Michael of Villa Rica, GA, Jessica Reid and husband Danny of Laquey, MO, Kim Fisch and husband David of Dubuque, IA, Melvin J. Hagerty of Casper, WY, and Deb Hagerty of Sebastion, FL; eighteen grandchildren: Mason, Michaelyn, Wesley, Aiden, Kaleb, Kayla, Carol, Elijah, Scarlet, Kenneth, Kurt, Michael, Louis, JoAnna, Kris, Randi, Vince and Sam; eleven great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Melvin was preceded in death by his daughter, Patricia, son James David Hagerty and two grandchildren, Matthew and Isaiah Reid. Graveside services with military honors were held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, February 23, 2015 in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery of Waynesville, Missouri with Pastor Larry Atkins and Chaplain Michael Roberts officiating. Serving as escorts and providing military honors were the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

SFC (Ret) Melvin Joseph Hagerty

November 4, 1934 - February 17, 2015