Donald Hagner

Donald (Don) George Hagner, (AKA: PopPop) of Freeland, Maryland passed away peacefully on April 19, 2021, at home surrounded by his loving family.  Don was born on December 8, 1948 to George and Hazel Hagner of Baltimore, Maryland.  He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Elaine Hagner (née Radecke), daughter Dana Baker and her husband David; and daughter, Elizabeth Hagner; three beloved grandchildren: Audrey, Joshua, and Joseph; brother George (Chip) Hagner and his wife Nancy; sister-in-law Catherine Cieslak (née Radecke) and her husband Albert; uncle Frank Hagner and his wife Beverly; and many nieces & nephews.  Last but certainly not least, Don also leaves behind his loyal canine companion, Charlie, who remained at his side until the very end.

Don loved God, family, and country and lived a life of service.  He volunteered as an usher and was a member of the Knights of Columbus at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church and volunteered as the Financial Officer of the American Legion Post 256 in Parkton, MD.  He served in the US Army in Vietnam where he was awarded three Bronze Star Medals for meritorious service in combat and later joined the Maryland Air National Guard 235th Civil Engineering Flight where he served over the span of three decades.  During this period, he served throughout the country, deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom, and retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 2005.  Later in life, Don returned to the US Army as a civilian employee working as a Mechanical Engineer for the Department of Public Works at the US Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, PA.  

Don was a 1966 graduate of Polytechnic High School, in Baltimore City, and a 1981 graduate of the Johns Hopkins University where he completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.  He later received a Masters Degree in Engineering Management from the George Washington University.  He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, road trips, hiking with his dog, canoeing on the Prettyboy Reservoir, visiting historical sites, car shows, and volunteering yearly at the EAA Warbirds AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI.  Don also enjoyed visiting with his friends at the Gunpowder Falls Brewery. 

A funeral mass will be celebrated on May 22nd at 11:00 a.m at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church at 18310 Middletown Rd, Parkton, MD 21120.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Don’s name can be made to Our Lady of Grace Church or Gilchrist Hospice.

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