Roger Ellis Hagler

Roger Ellis Hagler, age 86, died on May 9, 2023, after a brief battle with prostate and lung cancers.
Roger was born on March 24, 1937, in Daleville, Alabama to his late parents Buford Clyde Hagler, Sr. and Mary Sue Bonner Hagler. Early life revolved around farming in and around the Dothan, Alabama area. He graduated from Dothan Highschool in 1955 and enrolled in the engineering program at Auburn University. Roger left Auburn after two years and in 1957 enlisted in the Navy, serving aboard the USS Essex as a plane captain (brown shirt). He was honorably discharged at the end of his tour, and enrolled in the University of Florida, where he completed his degree in mechanical engineering in 1961, though it should be noted that he remained a loyal Auburn fan his entire life. His first engineering job upon graduation was at the Vandenburg Missile Base in California. He later worked on the Apollo space program, which brought him to Cocoa Beach, Florida where he met his wife Martha Jean Windham. They were married in 1969, and as the Apollo program wound down, they relocated to Detroit, Michigan where Roger worked for the Ford Motor Company. It was during this time that they welcomed their two sons, Kevin Brent Hagler in 1971 and Mark Regan Hagler in 1974.
Another career change in 1975 brought the family to Mobile, Alabama, where Roger worked for Teledyne Continental for most of his career, before ultimately retiring from Mobile Aerospace Engineering (MAE). As reflected in his career, Roger had a passion for aviation that started as a child playing with a toy plane made from scraps found around the farm and evolved to a life-long hobby of building and flying remote-controlled airplanes. He also earned his private pilot license and instructor license. His involvement in aviation provided countless hours of enjoyment, and through his membership in RC flying clubs he made many friends that were very dear to him.
Roger is survived by his wife, Martha Jean Hagler, son Kevin Brent Hagler, daughter-in-law Anne Marie Hagler, and his beloved grandson Brendon Mark Hagler. He is also survived by his brother Buford Clyde Hagler, Jr, and extended family. He is predeceased by his son Mark Regan Hagler, parents Buford Clyde Hagler, Sr and Mary Sue Bonner Hagler, and brothers David Arthur Hagler and Travis Jackson Hagler.
In keeping with the wishes of Roger, a funeral service will not be held.