Nelson Loyd Hager, 47, passed away suddenly on May 1, 2020, in Omaha, Neb. He was born on July 11, 1972, to Norman and Phyllis Hager, in O’Keene, Okla., but spent much of his life in Kansas, graduating from Kansas State University with a degree in Agricultural Science. 

Nelson’s passion in life were his wife and son, and secondly, the livestock business. He grew up showing sheep, cattle and hogs in the FFA, 4-H, and the Kansas Junior Angus Association, where he served as Junior Director two times. He won many awards, and after his show career ended he continued to be active in the KJAA by mentoring many kids with his drive and passion. In 2020, he was awarded National Advisor of the year, at the National Junior Angus show in Tulsa, Okla. 

He worked diligently to provide self-confidence, self-worth, and perseverance to many junior boys and girls. To those that he mentored, he was more than a teacher, he was a friend, and a second dad. He will be dearly missed by all. 

Nelson is survived by his wife Rachel Hager and his son, Aiden Hager, both of Great Bend, Kan.; his parents, Phyllis Hager of Stafford, Kan.; his father, Norman Hager, of Alva, Okla.; a brother, Tony Hager and wife Susan of Hutchinson, Kan.; a sister, Tammy and Vanessa Rios-Hager of Houston, Texas; a nephew, Ethan Hager of Hutchison, Kan.; and a niece, Jennifer Rutan and husband Lance, and their son, Colt, also of Hutchison, Kan. 

There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Graveside services with inurnment will be held at Golden Belt Memorial Park in Great Bend, at 2 p.m., Friday, Oct. 16, 2020, with Pastor Chris Lehew presiding. The family asks those in attendance to wear masks and social distance. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Oct. 11, 2020