William E. "Bill" Hagood Obituary

William E. "Bill" Hagood attended Thomas Jefferson High School in Council Bluffs, IA. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about William E. "bill" Hagood.

Graduation Year	Class of 1967
Date of Passing	Oct 15, 2021
About	Mr. William E. "Bill" Hagood, age 72, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away on Friday, October 15, 2021, at home surrounded by his loving family. Bill was born on August 8, 1949, in Coffeyville, Kan., to Violet Caroline Bliss and Paul Edgar Hagood. When Bill was a young boy his mother married a man named Melvin Trotter who raised Bill as his own son. Bill attended grade school at Field McKinnley School in Coffeyville. He then moved with his family to Council Bluffs, Iowa, where he finished high school at Thomas Jefferson High School in 1967. After graduation Bill and his family made one final move to Jefferson City, Mo. They moved in next door to the Pohl's, a nice family with a beautiful daughter and not long after, that neighbor girl agreed to be his wife. He was married on November 29, 1969 in Jefferson City to Carole Anne Pohl, who survives at the home. After they were married, Bill was drafted into the United States Army and served during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the 97th Signal Battalion Radio Communications "Tiger 05," where he earned the rank of CPL/SP4. Bill earned the Tactical Service Medal for Expert Marksmanship M14. He served his duty in Germany and moved his wife and young daughter there to live together as a family. Following his honorable discharge from the Army, he earned his Master's degree in Sociology with a minor in History in 1977 from Lincoln University. Bill was an extremely hard worker. After he graduated from high school, he worked for a lumber company until he was drafted. Once he returned back to civilian life, he worked for Schell and Ward Shoe Company while taking his college courses at Lincoln University. In 2002, Bill retired from the State of Missouri, having worked as the Field Supervisor and Assistant Deputy Director for the Division of Family Services and Rehabilitation Services for the Blind. Bill's service to the State of Missouri was so exceptional, that he was awarded as a distinguished employee for it. As a proud veteran, Bill was a dedicated member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Bill enjoyed exploring his roots through genealogy research and collecting old coins and historical memorabilia. He liked to travel, especially when he was able to go back to his hometown. Bill also liked visiting Albuquerque, N.M., San Antonio, Texas, Washington D.C. and many other places with his wife and friends. Bill found peace in the outdoors and could often be found working on different home projects and making sure the lawn was well maintained. Bill took great pride in how his yard looked. His neighbors often commented that they tried to keep up with him so their yard looked just as good. Bill also enjoyed metal detecting and showing off the cool treasures that he found. Bill was an outstanding cook and enjoyed entertaining friends and family at his home. He had a creative eye and loved to photograph everything from landscapes to family portraits. He was a talented singer, and was even in a barber shop quartet in high school. Bill made everyone feel like they were family and never met a stranger. If you were a close friend of Bill he was your best and most treasured friend. Most of all, Bill was a devoted husband, present father and doting grandfather. He cherished the time that he spent with his family. Bill was generous, kind and outspoken. He never missed an opportunity to extend a helping hand, let someone know they were a "Goober", or support a loved one with sound advice. Survivors include: his loving wife of over 50 years, Carole; three children, Heather Case (husband, Steve) of Holts Summit, Mo., Matthew Hagood of Jefferson City, Mo., and Jonathan Hagood of Jefferson City, Mo.; four siblings, Connie Lehan of Minden, Iowa, Brenda Trotter of Fla., Jill Trotter of Ind., and Bill Trotter of Fla.; five grandchildren, Katelyn Case, Madeline Roark, Caroline Case, Mason Case, and Addison Dockins-Hagood; one great-granddaughter, Kaydence Pointer; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Bill Pohl (wife, Debbie), Jimmy Pohl, Richard Pohl, Bobby Pohl, and Margie Steinmetz (husband, Gary); and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family and friends. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Violet and Melvin Trotter; his biological father, Paul Hagood; two brothers, Paul Hagood and Russell Shelton; one sister, Connie Lehan; his brother-in-law, Joe Lehan; and two nephews, Shawn Hagood and Rusty Hagood. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Friday, October 22, 2021, at Freeman Mortuary. A Celebration of Life will follow at 12:00 p.m. in the Freeman Chapel with the Reverend Don Fankhauser officiating. Military honors will follow the service. A webcast of the service will begin at 12:00 p.m. on Friday for friends that are not able to attend by going to his memorial page of Freeman Mortuary's website. Friends may mail sympathy cards to the funeral home or leave condolences online to be given to his family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com