John Henry Hager, of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, passed away peacefully at home in the arms of his wife and oldest daughter at the age of 83 on Monday, November 9, 2020. John was born on March 1, 1937 in Clovis, NM. He met the love of his life, Edna, in Clovis. When first married, he served in the Army and was stationed in Baltimore. He was self-employed as a Certified Public Account throughout New Mexico for over 50 years until his death.

John was a football player in high school and at the University of New Mexico. He was a private pilot and frequently flew his family, friends, and business colleagues around the southwest.  He coached Little League sports teams including football and baseball.  He was an avid golfer and loved every chance he had to play.  He took up painting later in life, and his paintings are prized treasures in the homes of his wife and his children.  He grew a big dark and ugly beard once, much to chagrin of his wife.  He has a large collection of Don Quixote memorabilia stemming from his love for the song, The Impossible Dream. He was a lifelong prankster with a wry sense of humor.  On Christmas Eve, dressed as Santa, he would visit grown friends' homes (after visiting neighborhood kids), give them treats, ask them if they were on the Naughty List, and instruct the children to tell Dad he needs to clean the fireplace before tonight. Even years later, John's friends never knew it was Dad who had paid them a visit.

John was a loving and devoted husband, Dad, grandpa, Christian and friend.  He was a deacon in the Southern Baptist Church for over 50 years and he loves the Lord.  His family loves him dearly and we take great comfort knowing he is now face-to-face with Jesus and knows true joy.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Edna (Owen) Hager, his three children Wendy (Eric) Tankersley of Corrales, Melanie (Dick) Phares of Lafayette, Colorado, and John (Ann) Hager of Rio Rancho, and his three grandchildren Erin Phares, Leah Tankersley and Rebecca Tankersley.

John was preceded in death by his mother and father, Gladys and Henry Hager and his two older sisters, Bettye Lu Hager and Melba "Babe" Lansford.

A service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 21, 2020 at First Baptist Church of Rio Rancho. The service will also be streamed live on the FBCRR channel on YouTube at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 21 and will be subsequently available on that channel the following week.

John is already deeply missed by his family. Until we meet again, John…