Paul Willis Hagen, 71 of South Webster, Ohio went home, he went to the city that he had preached and ministered about for over 50 years, Tuesday, February 23, 2021, at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio while being surrounded by his family.
Paul Willis, as known by many, was born on August 4, 1949, to the late Paul Lenhart and Virginia Ruth (Willis) Hagen.
Paul is survived by his loving wife and best friend of over 51 years Judith (Williams) Hagen. Son, Paul Ryan (Jennifer) Hagen. Daughter Jamie (Jeremy) Rockwell. Four grandkids whom he always stated he wished they would have come first, Kahler Rockwell, Paul Markus Hagen, Elizabeth Rockwell, (fiancé Gaven Traylor) and Rylee Hagen. One sister Beverly (Bill) Haynes of Jackson, Ohio, many nieces and nephews, dearly loved by his sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws. A dear friend Walt “Booble” Maynard along with many, many more. He was preceded in death not only by his parents Paul and Virginia but one brother Mark Hagen and his in-laws Frank and Opal Williams.
Paul Willis, was a 1967 South Webster High School graduate and a member of the SWHS Hall of Fame. He also earned a Bachelors degree from Ohio University, a Masters degree from the University of Dayton. Paul Willis was a retired school teacher, teaching both at Clay and Northwest High School. Besides family and loving to farm, and John Deere tractors, especially a good 4020, Paul’s true passion for more than 50 years was serving the Lord as a pastor and evangelist. Paul pastored at Scioto Furnace United Methodist Church in Scioto Furnace, Community Bible in Lucasville, The Pilgrim Wesleyan Church in South Webster and for the last 30 years at North Moreland Christian Baptist Church in New Boston. He was also General Superintendent of The Ohio Valley Association of the Christian Baptist Churches of God. Two of Paul’s favorite verses were Romans 8:28, And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Psalms 16:6 The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage. Not only was Paul Willis a Son, Husband, Father, Pap, Brother, Pastor, Teacher but also a mentor and a friend to so many. In closing one last sermon to all “When you don’t know what to do, do what you know you ought to do”, stay faithful to the Lord, and keep up the good fight. From your Pastor and Friend, Paul Willis Hagen.
Funeral Services will be 3:00 PM Sunday, February 28, 2021, at D.W. SWICK FUNERAL HOME in South Webster with Ryan Hagen, Markus Hagen, Jamie Rockwell, and Kahler Rockwell officiating. Interment will follow at South Webster Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 to 8 PM Saturday at Bloom Vernon Elementary School and one hour prior to services on Sunday at D.W. SWICK FUNERAL HOME. Face coverings are required. In lieu of flowers, Paul’s request would be to make an Investment to Abounding Grace Ministries in care of Markus Hagen.
