Elbert Ray Hagler passed away Saturday, April 28, at the Medical Center. He was born on Jan. 2, 1932, in Shelby County. He fought a long battle with Thyroid Cancer. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflictlink.

He was an accomplished carpenter and job superintendent for Herman Weber Construction, Bella Co., and Daniel's Construction. He loved working at his farm in Shelby County, raising cattle. He was a member of the Nederland Church of Christ, since 1956. He and Sallie were married in this church on March 2, 1956, by the Rev. Vincent Guarnere.

During his retirement, while living at his farm, he attended Antioch Church of Christ in San Augustine. Ray was also a member of the Masonic Lodge No. 1389 in Nederland, Carpenter's Local 610, American Legion, Butler-Redd Post No. 493, and a 32nd Degree Endowed Member of the Galveston Scottish Rite.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 2, at Melancon's Funeral Home in Nederland, with the Rev. Al Shaw officiating. Interment will be held at 3:00 p.m., at Patroon Cemetery in Patroon, TX.

A gathering of family and friends will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 1, at the funeral home.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Elbert Thomas Hagler and wife, Leola Morton Hagler; brothers, Rodney Hagler and Charles Lamar Hagler; sister, Mary Byers Biggar; sisters-in-law, Barbara Hagler, Susie Hagler and Julia Hagler.

He is survived by his wife, Sallie; son, Darrell of Nederland; brothers, Thomas Hagler, Travis Hagler and wife, Omie; sister, Joy Hagler Morse and husband, Howard Morse and sister-in- law, Gwen Hagler, all of Vidor. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of usual remembrances, memorial contributions can be made to the Patroon Cemetery Fund, 5970 Fm 2261, Shelbyville, TX 75973.

Details and guest registry available at:Melancons.orglink.