Thom Olaf Hagen

Thom Olaf Hagen, 81, of Chester, VA, passed away on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. Born in Queens, NY, he was the son of the late Theodore and Esther Philipson Hagen; and was also preceded in death by his loving wife of 43 years, Lola Hagen; and two brothers, Richard Hagen and William Hughes.

Thom joined the Airforce in 1962, and was proud of his years of active duty and of being an Honor Guard. He performed ceremonial duties for falling soldiers at Arlington and he also had the privilege of standing guard by the President at the White House. He was later honorably discharged in 1970. Later Thom was a meat cutter by trade for 40 years. This was something he learned how to do as a teenager in high school working in a butcher shop in Queens. Thom loved helping his customers and meeting people everywhere. He worked in several grocery stores when he was later spotted taking care of his meat case at Food Lion. A gentleman asked him to come to work at DGSC and then on to Fort Lee, where he later retired. Thom's biggest passion was fishing. He loved saltwater and especially freshwater fishing. He could tell you about every stream, river or pond across Virginia. Thom not only fished everywhere he went but he also taught others how to fish. He wrote countless articles in magazines and newspapers and worked at the Inland Games and Fishery teaching classes to both adults and children. Through all his years, Thom was a devoted husband and father. His family was always the most important thing. He always made sure each of us had what we needed and more. His wife of 43 years was the love of his life. They enjoyed dancing together and listening to the radio and having family gatherings to watch their grandchildren grow. Thom enjoyed caring for his home and yard. He was especially proud of his roses, banana trees, and fishpond.

Mr. Hagen is survived by his three children, Thom Hagen II and wife, Holly, James Hagen, and Jill Hawthorne and husband, Jerry; eight grandchildren, Nikki, Ericka, Savannah, Hunter, Katherine, Christopher, Karoline, and Keirston; four great-grandchildren; a sister, Inga Verzi and husband, Joey; and numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at 4:00 P.M., on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at the Chester Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home. The family will receive friends following the service until 6:00 P.M. Interment will be held at 12:00 P.M., on Friday, May 3, 2024, at Virginia Veterans Cemetery at Amelia.