Melvin (Junior) Hagan, 89, of St. Joseph, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Junior was born on March 23, 1936, in King City, Missouri, to Melvin James and Edith (Clements) Hagan.

He graduated from Savannah High School in 1955 and Columbia College in 1975 with an Associates of Arts degree.

He married JoAnn Sonderegger on September 6, 1957, and they shared 54 years of marriage until her passing on June 23, 2012. One of the most profound examples of Junior's devotion and love was the care he provided for his wife, JoAnn, as she lived with Multiple Sclerosis for many years. His unwavering commitment to her was a testament to his strength of character and heart.

In 2015, he found companionship and love again and married Shirley Morris on January 24, 2015, and she survives him.

He served in the Missouri Army National Guard from 1955 to 1996. He retired as a Master Sergeant E8 in 1996. He was employed full-time by the Missouri Army National Guard from 1965 to 1994 and retired as Shop Chief. He took considerable pride in his work and service.

Junior was a man of strong faith, a generous heart, and a talented hand. He was a dedicated member of Brookdale Church, where he served faithfully as an elder and trustee. He never hesitated to lend a hand, whether through his church, community service, or simply helping others in need. He volunteered his service to Neighborhood Partnership and Lives Under Construction Boys Ranch in Lampe, Mo. Junior was always willing to use his talents to improve the lives of others. A true craftsman and handyman, he could fix or build about anything.

Junior had a passion for family history and genealogy, preserving stories and connections across generations. He also had a deep love for John Deere tractors, especially restoring them and going on tractor cruises.

Junior was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife JoAnn, his brother Charles (April) and his brother-in-law Pete Roberts.

He is also survived by his children: son Mark Hagan (Diana); daughters Debbie Pinzino and Becky Zuptich (Mark); seven grandchildren: Cassie Franken (Nolan), Chad Pinzino (Jenny), Andrea Pinzino, Scott Pinzino (Margie), Kaitlyn Poage (Andrew), Josh Zuptich (Emma), and Jonathan Zuptich; and eight great- grandchildren: Henry and Nora Franken; Blake, Benton, and Brooks Poage; Kennadie and Kaydyn Pinzino; and Chandler Zuptich; bonus sons: Marlan Hollars (Pam), Marc Hollars (Debbie), and Matt Hollars (P.J.); brothers Jim Hagan (Nancy), David Hagan, and Rick Hagan (Judy); sisters Frieda Houston (Daryl), Fran Burns (Bill), and Cleta Roberts; brother-in-law John (Nancy) Sonderegger as well as many nieces and nephews.

His memory lives on through the work of his hands, the strength of his faith, the love he gave his family, and a life marked by dedication and care.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Brookdale Church, Lives Under Construction Boys Ranch, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, or a charity of the donor's choice.

Visitation will be Thursday, April 17, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel, St Joseph, MO. Services will be Friday, April 18, 2025, at 11:00 am at the funeral home. Interment with full military honors will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.