Chester L. Hager

Chester L. Hager Chester L. Hager, 83, native of Lexington, husband of Ann W. Hager, passed away January 17, 2009 at the Hospice Care Center. He was born October 19, 1925, son of the late Charles and Lula Ray Hager. He was the Coroner of Fayette County for 32 years from 1957 to 1989. He also served on the Kentucky State Parole Board for 4 years from 1991-1994. Mr. Hager attended Fayette County Schools, and the University of Kentucky, and was a graduate of Fugazzi Business College. He graduated from the Kentucky School of Mortuary Science and was a licensed embalmer and funeral director. Mr. Hager opened Whitehall Funeral Chapel in 1957 and served on the Board of Directors, Secretary-Treasurer, President and owner until its sale in 2006. During his time as coroner, he participated in studies for the National Highway Traffic Safety and the Study of Suicide National Prevention and Drug Abuse Information Study. He chartered the Kentucky State Coroner Association and served a President-Director, Executive Secretary and Advisory Board. He was instrumental in founding the Medical Examiner Program to assist Coroners for the state of Kentucky and served on the Board. Mr. Hager was a graduate of the F.B.I. Academy, Quantico, Virginia and was certified at the U.S. Department of Justice in Medical/Legal death investigation, also a graduate of the U.S. Department of Justice National Instructors Orientation of Parole Board Members of the U.S. He was a member of the International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners, serving as second Vice President at his retirement. He was a member of Crestwood Christian Church and served as head usher and Trustee. He was affiliated with the Fayette Lions Club for 40 years, Lexington Lodge FAM and the Oleika Shrine. Surviving other than his wife is son Kevin (Christina) Hager, their children Lauren, Clay, and Grace Anne. He has two children from a previous marriage, Chester L. Hager Jr. (Pat) and their daughter Tychea Stantz (Greg), Brenda Crank and her children Alan (Gina) Crank and Robyn Crank. Also surviving are a brother, David Hager and sister Ruby Palmer, and three great-grandchildren. Services will be held Tuesday January 20, 2009 at the Crestwood Christian Church at 6:00 pm with visitation from 4:00 pm until time of service. Officiating are Rev. Tim Murtaugh, Rev. Bill McDonald, and Rev. Martin Gornik. Private entombment will be in Lexington Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Crestwood Christian Church and Hospice of the Bluegrass. Clark Legacy Center is in charge of arrangements. Funeral Information 6:00 pm Tuesday Crestwood Christian Church. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until time of service at the church.