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Paul S. ‘Bucky’ Hager

Paul Stephen “Bucky” Hager passed away peacefully at home early Thursday morning, June 2, 2016, surrounded by his family.

Paul was born in Jersey Shore, Lycoming County, on June 18, 1930, to the late William Adam and Orpha Glaze Hager.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Audrey Claire Saylor Hager, and siblings, a sister, Gloria (Stoddard) Burg of Naples, Fla., and a brother, William A Hager of Lock Haven.

A longtime resident of Hughesville, he is survived by his two sisters, Edythe (Paul) Clark of Flemington, and Katherine (Jack) Laubscher of Swissdale; daughter, Anne Pauline (Earl) Frantz of Leesport; sons, Stephen Douglas (Laurel) Hager of St Louis, Mo., Robert Patrick (Crystal) Hager of Hughesville, and Luther Mark (Diane) Hager of Raleigh, N.C.. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces in the Lycoming, Clinton, Centre, and Allegheny counties of Pennsylvania and various counties in Arizona, Alaska, California, and Texas.

Bucky spent his early years growing up in the Jersey Shore-Avis-Lock Haven area. He lived and worked with his grandparents, the Glaze family, who ran the former Bucktail gas station and restaurant located on Susquehanna Avenue in Lock Haven.

He was a natural athlete best known for playing quarterback for the Lock Haven Bobcats and as a gymnast specializing on the parallel bars.

Graduating from Lock Haven High School in 1949, Bucky attended Lock Haven State Teachers College until 1951 when he served in the Korean War as a Navy airman. Before beginning his Pacific tour, he married the love of his life, Audrey Claire Saylor of Johnstown, on June 28, 1952.

At the end of the war, Bucky returned to Lock Haven State Teachers College and received his Bachelor’s degree in social studies and physical education in 1957. Bucky later completed his Master’s degree from the State University of New York at Cortland. Bucky began his teaching career in the East Lycoming School District where he taught history and physical education.

While at Hughesville, he played an instrumental role in modernizing the school’s athletic programs as well as coaching both the school’s football and wrestling teams. Bucky later went on to teach and coach with distinction in the Loyalsock Township School District, retiring in 1986 after nearly 30 years of service.

Bucky’s favorite pastimes included spending time with family, fishing, hunting, gardening, restoration and carpentry.

He will always be remembered as a loving, concerned father and friend who had a charming wit and humor and a concern for others that was ever present even in his last days. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew, admired and loved him.

The family wishes to acknowledge their appreciation for the skilled and compassionate care Bucky received during his stay at The Gatehouse Hospice and to the McCarty-Thomas Funeral Home for their sensitive and thoughtful assistance.

As per Bucky’s wishes, there will be no viewing or service. Burial will be handled privately by the family at their discretion.

If desired, a donation in Bucky’s memory can be made to The Gatehouse Hospice unit of Divine Providence Hospital or to the Lycoming County SPCA.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.mccartythomas.com.