WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Richard Vernon “Dick” Hagerty, 87, died Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011 at Three Rivers Health of natural causes. Cremation has taken place as per his wishes.
Born Nov. 21, 1924 to Vernon and Marguerita (Bates) Hagerty in Battle Creek and spent his childhood in Schoolcraft where he attended school until entering the US Navy as a Merchant Marine on March 8, 1943. He served honorably during the second World War and was discharged on Feb. 16, 1946. He married Jesse Pearl Hagerty on July 3, 1947 and they had four children, Wilma (Bernie) Harden, Ruth (Terry) Donovan, Richard (Brenda) Hagerty and Bonnie (Daniel) Fuller who gave him nine grandchildren who in turn gave him 10 great-grandchildren, though many, many others would call him “Grandpa” throughout the years.
He lived many years in Three Rivers working after the war at Weyerhaeuser from where he retired in 1989. He enjoyed camping, having visited all but 14 of the 48 contiguous states. He also enjoyed spending time with family, fishing and NASCAR and briefly raced himself on a local oval track. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #170.
He was preceded in death by his wife Pearl (Jesse) in 2004, his parents and sister Betty Louise Hagerty. He is survived by all of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and his faithful dog “Chip.”
A private, family graveside service will be held prior to a memorial at the American Legion Post #170 in Three Rivers on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 1 p.m.
