Claudell, Kansas — The community of Claudell mourns the loss of one of its most cherished members, Jerry Raymond Hagman, who passed away peacefully on Friday, May 23, 2025, at the Kearney Regional Medical Center in Nebraska. He was 84 years old. Surrounded by family, Jerry joined his beloved wife Melba in heaven—poignantly on what would have been her first birthday since her passing.
Their reunion is a touching testament to their enduring love. Though his absence leaves a profound void, Jerry’s legacy of kindness, adventure, and hard work will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Early Life: Raised on a Kansas Farm
Born on April 13, 1941, to Raymond and Bernadine “Bani” Hagman, Jerry grew up on the family farm north of Claudell, Kansas, alongside his sister Linda Hagman Myers. His upbringing in rural Kansas instilled in him the values of patience, perseverance, and a love for family, shaping a life filled with stories of mischief, mechanical marvels, and boundless enthusiasm.
High School Memories and Lifelong Friendships
Jerry graduated from Kensington High School, remembered as a bright, athletic, and spirited student. His playful antics—like pulling a classmate’s chair out from under her—were matched by his helpful heart, once tracking down a lost science book to make amends. Even in adulthood, Jerry’s adventurous nature never faded.
Passion for Mechanics and Racing
Jerry had a deep-seated passion for speed and mechanics. As a young man, he could often be seen racing through Kirwin’s town square or engaging in spontaneous drag races in downtown Kensington. His love for auto racing grew into a family pastime, shared with Melba, their daughter Tamra, and son-in-law Kent. From Red Cloud to Belleville, Jerry found joy in the roar of engines and the rush of the racetrack.
A Life Rooted in Agriculture and Legacy
After earning his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Fort Hays State University in 1964, Jerry married the love of his life, Melba Larick, on December 22, 1963, in Ashland, Kansas. They settled in Kirwin, where Jerry joined his father on the family farm—an operation recognized in 2016 as a Century Farm, having been in continuous operation since 1916.
“Shed Tree Mechanic”: A Legend in the Shop
Known affectionately as the “Shed Tree Mechanic,” Jerry ran a successful repair business where he earned a reputation for being able to fix just about anything. From tractors to engines, Jerry’s mechanical expertise was unmatched—and always delivered with a smile and a signature laugh.
Community Involvement and Service
Jerry was an active and generous member of his community, serving as treasurer of the Kensington Fire Department Board and a proud member of the Kensington Lions Club. He was always ready to lend a helping hand, reflecting the deep care he held for those around him.
Family Adventures and a Life Filled with Laughter
Jerry’s summers were often spent water skiing, chasing tornados, or enjoying lakeside adventures with his brother-in-law Del Walker and the Walker family. Whether braving cold waters or helping in a pinch, Jerry was a man of action and humor—famously joking he was “too scared to answer the phone” when trouble arose.
A Love That Danced Through Life
Jerry and Melba shared a special bond through their love of dancing, often donning matching outfits or swaying to The Beach Boys and Elvis Presley in their kitchen. Their favorite song, “More Than a Woman” by the Bee Gees, was the soundtrack to a love that spanned decades—and even now, remains eternal.
A Father, Grandfather, and Mentor
Jerry’s daughters, Kayla and Tamra, were the pride of his life. He shared his mechanical skills with Kayla—once building a teeter-totter together—and his adventures with Tamra, especially during wheat harvests with his granddaughter Darah by his side.
Taylor Bohl, who married Darah, paid tribute to Jerry, saying:
“He treated me like a son and taught me the soul of farming—not just the work, but the love behind it. I’ll carry those lessons forever.”
Jerry’s relationship with Boo Boo, his great-grandchild, was full of joy—filled with lemon cookies, porch walks, and impromptu dance sessions, painting a beautiful picture of multigenerational love.
A Man of Courage, Stories, and Strength
Whether chasing a tornado or making someone laugh during a stressful moment, Jerry was never short on bravery—or humor. His family recalls moments when he’d scare a niece just to hear her laugh, or his stubborn insistence on joining the wheat harvest even without transport, firing up his old M International tractor and getting to work.
Legacy of a Life Fully Lived
Jerry was more than a farmer and mechanic—he was the heartbeat of his family, the soul of a century farm, and a pillar of his community. He leaves behind a legacy written in the soil he tilled, the engines he mended, the laughs he inspired, and the love he gave freely.
Final Farewell
As Jerry reunites with Melba in heaven, their enduring love continues to shine brightly—a beacon of devotion for generations to come. His stories, laughter, and spirit will live on in every shared memory, every golden field, and every family gathering.
Rest in peace, Jerry. You were more than a man—you were a legacy.
