Obituary of Donald D. Hagins

Donald Dean Hagins passed away in Hollister on August 6, 2016 at age 91 years and ten months. Don was born on October 22, 1924 to Clovis and Audrey Hagins in Jericho Springs, MO. He was the youngest of four siblings. Don’s family made the decision to move to California for a better life and moved to Hollister in 1936. Don attended Hollister Grammar School and there he met his life-long friend and future brother in law, Dave Porteur. Sports and family would remain key parts of the remainder of his life. At San Benito High School Don played football for the Balers and was a member of the Class of 1943. World War II interrupted the lives and schooling of many teenage boys and Don answered Uncle Sam’s call and joined the U.S Navy. Don went overseas in late 1943 and spent the next two years on board a 110’ long Submarine Chaser (SC-1040) in the South Pacific. Don came home from the war and was honorably discharged in early 1946. Like so many servicemen returning home from war he quickly found work as a welder/fabricator working for his brother in law Walter Wiebe. Don spent the next forty years with the same company taking on more responsibility becoming foreman and eventually production manager at Wiebe Mfg and then Raymond Production Systems which purchased Wiebe Mfg. In 1953 Don married his soul-mate and the love of his life, Marian Sanchez. His best friend, Dave Porteur was married to Marian’s sister Anne and Don and Dave were usually found over the BBQ pits cooking for family gatherings. Don was a Little League Coach with his brother in law Frank Sanchez during the 1950’s and was later president of the Hollister Babe Ruth League during the mid 1970’s. He was President of the Baler Backers club during that time as well. An avid golfer for years Don was a member of the Bolado Park Golf Club. He will be remembered for his many years as President of the Bolado Park Golf Club. Don was a member of the Hollister VFW. Family always came first to Don and Marian Hagins and their home was always warm and welcoming to all. Don retired in 1989 and he and Marian enjoyed the remaining years God had allotted them. Marian passed away in 2011. For the remainder of his life he was surrounded by his sons, their wives, grandchildren and many friends. The staff at the Mabie Center provided much loving care and support during Don’s last years. Don was an honorable Man and knew His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Don was preceded in death by his wife Marian, his parents Clovis and Audrey Hagins, his brother Meredith “Brick” Hagins (Carol Ann), his sisters Rosemond Porter and Alene Wiebe. He is survived by his sons, Dennis Hagins, Patrick Hagins (Mary), Michael Hagins (Marilee), Casey Hagins (Paula); Grandchildren Sarah Smith, Jeffrey Hagins, Joseph Hagins, Aaron Miller, DJ Parker, Jennifer Piere, Matthew Delorenzo, and John Hagins; Great-Grandchildren James Hagins, Trevor Smith and Mikela Smith. He is also survived by his godfather Joe Miguel (Carmen) of Hollister and numerous Nieces and Nephews. A celebration of Don’s life will take place at 11:00 Am on Saturday August 20th at Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Funeral Home. The celebration will continue with a catered meal at Paine’s Restaurant in Hollister after the service.