Joe Hager was born to Gary and Billie Hager on August 14, 1977; their anniversary was also this day. Gary was on his way to bring Billie some flowers at home. They must have passed each other on the highway because she was on her way to the hospital. Gary threw the flowers into the fridge and ran to the hospital. On arriving and finding that he had a new son, Billie asked why he didn’t bring her the flowers.

Joe was the third of four and the second to be diagnose with the double recessive disease Spinal Muscular Atrophy. This is where the nerves do not conduct information for movement to the body moving muscles very well. This disease in many ways shaped Joe into the man that he became. His parents always told him that he could do anything that he set his mind to, so that is exactly what he did. He finished high school in advance classes, went to a four-year university without his parents for a semester, received his Associates degree in Drafting, got a full-time job, got married, had children, and ensured that he helped anyone know that despite his physical limitations, his mind was never limited.

One of the best examples of his no limitation mindset was his final project for his drafting degree, the assignment was to draw something in 3-D, he asked if he could draw a rose, the teacher said that was too hard. Joe promptly drew twelve roses on a table, this drafting drawing is still hanging in the department 30 years later showing students that anything is possible.

Joe loved to give small children rides on his chair, be it his feet, lap, or the small wheels on the back. He played Taxi and raced with kids and helped them learn never to be afraid of people who where different.

Joe met his wife in January of 2006, started dating her in February, proposed by May, and Married in July. Joe and Rebecca were married in the Lubbock Texas Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on July 15, 2006. Rebecca remembers first seeing him in that exact temple when she was only 16 years old. He was all in white and looked very handsome.

When Joe became a father, he taught his children to be safe by riding on his chair or holding on to his chair to cross streets or walk through busy stores. His youngest would take naps in the middle of the day right on his lap strapped to his chest with his own safety belts if the family was out an about.

He instilled the love of chess, computers, art and drawing, and compassionate care on all of his children and they will never forget it. He is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Joe is survived by his wife, Rebecca Hager; his children, Kilah, Derrick, and Xavier Hager; father, Gary Hager; brother, Stoney Hager, and youngest sister; Shannon Alexander.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Billie Hager; and older sister, Kelley Hager.

Memorial Contribution