Curtis R. Hagler, Sr.

Curtis R. Hagler, Sr., 90, of Wynne, departed this life on Wednesday, May 12, 2021, at his home. He was born in Gillett on March 13, 1931, to Luther N. and Mabel (Trimble) Hagler. Curtis was a 1948 graduate of Hickory Ridge High School where he was a member of the first NEA Invitational Basketball Tournament championship team. He went on to earn his Bachelor's degree from the University of Arkansas in 1953. In September of the same year, Curtis enlisted in the United States Air Force, and proudly served until 1958 and earned the rank of Captain. Curtis and the former Miss Catharyn Hale were united in marriage on August 26, 1951, and the couple cherished 69 years together prior to Catharyn's death in 2020. Mr. Hagler worked as a farmer, and was dedicated to serving his community, state, and country as a member of many community service and economic development boards and committees. Mr. Hagler also played an instrumental role in the approval process for the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery at Birdeye. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Wynne, and will forever be remembered for his qualities of integrity and humility. Curtis was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Catharyn Hagler; three siblings, L.N. Jr., Nehon and Peggy Jo Hagler; and a daughter-in-law, Martha Hagler. He is survived by four children, Chris Hagler of Wynne, Chip Hagler and wife, Judy, of Wynne, Crandal Hagler and wife, Donna, of Paragould, and Carol Hagler and wife, Mary, of California; eight grandchildren, Christopher Hagler, Jr. and wife, Hilary, Ashley Miller and husband, Nate, Matt Hagler and wife, Rachel, Tyler Hamilton and wife, Ashley, Calvin Hagler, James Dennison, Josef Gottesman, and William Gottesman; 11 great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends. Friends may visit at Thompson-Wilson Funeral Home in Wynne from 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday, June 11, 2021. Committal services will follow at 11:30 a.m. at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery at Birdeye with Rev. Brad Branham officiating. Donations may be made to the Cross County Museum, P.O. Box 843, Wynne, Ark. 72396.