Jack Lee Hoagland Sr's Obituary
Jack Lee Hoagland Sr., born November 01, 1929, in Peru, Indiana, to Mary and Eugene Hoagland, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2024. He graduated from Peru High School in 1947 and went on to attend Rutgers University. Jack was deeply involved in scouting, achieving the rank of Life Scout and becoming a member of the Order of the Arrow. He served as Scoutmaster, Cubmaster, and District Executive for the Three Rivers Council in Indiana.
A proud veteran, Jack served in the U.S. Air Force during the Berlin Airlift and later joined the Indiana Guard Reserve, retiring in 1977 with the rank of Colonel. He was the owner of Uncle Jack’s Babyland, a juvenile furniture and toy store in Logansport, Indiana and also worked as purchasing manager for the Wilson Meet Packaging Company. Jack was a dedicated public servant, holding numerous leadership roles, including Vice President of the Cass County Board of Commissioners and President of both the Drainage County Board and the County Planning Commission. He also served as Northwest District President and Indiana State Vice President of the Elected County Officials Association.
In addition to his public service, Jack was an accomplished pilot and owned his own plane. In 1986, he moved to Florida, where he became actively involved in the Lee County Community Action Agency and the Housing and Community Development Committee. A long-time member of Fort Myers Elks Lodge 1288, he was honored as Officer of the Year in 2005 and Elk of the Year in 2009, and he served as past Exalted Ruler.
Jack's passion for the arts flourished in Florida, where he became a successful actor and model, appearing in over 90 television commercials and contributing to more than 200 brochures, ads, and publications. His career led him to meet his future wife, Mary, on a modeling job. They married on September 2, 2000, sharing a love for travel that took them to all 50 states, over 11 countries, and on more than 35 cruises, creating countless cherished memories. Jack was also well-loved in his community, serving as President of the Homeowners Association for three years.
He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Joan Mathias, Judy Ludwig Mary Jordan and grandson Matthew Hoagland. Jack is survived by his beloved wife Mary Hoagland of Fort Myers, sons Jack Jr. (Karen), Robert (Teresa), and Jeffrey Hoagland, daughters Mareianne Birnell and Margret Jester (Les) of Logansport, Indiana, Caroline Palmer of Ohio, stepson Matt Allen (Tess) of Cooper City, FL, stepdaughter Beth McKeithen of Germantown, TN, as well as 13 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Jack will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to his family, community, and the countless lives he touched throughout his remarkable journey.
There will be a small graveside service for close family and friends on December 12, 2024, at 1:00 PM at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude Research Center or Ft. Myers Elks Lodge 1288.
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