He worked for the National Resource Conservation Service for 40 years as State Information Technology Manager, State Biologist and Area Biologist. Richard was a 1972 graduate of Montana State University with a Master Of Science Degree. He married Judy L. Robinson on October 16, 1965 in Alexandria, Virginia.

Richard was member of The G.I.S. Policy Board; Board Member of The Kansas Foundation For Agriculture In The Classroom; He was an F.A.A. Designated Pilot Examiner & Aviation Safety Counselor; He was Unit Committee Member and Assistant Scout Master for the Boy Scouts Of America. Richard was a U.S. Navy Veteran serving 4 1/2 years during the Viet Nam War. He was a hot air balloon enthusiast and owned the "Hagar The Horrible" hot air balloon; He was an outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting & fishing. He received The Balloon Federation Of America "Director's Award" in 1994 & 1995 for his service to The B.F.A. and the sport of ballooning. He also received numerous professional awards.

Survivors include his wife Judith L. Hager of Salina; 2 sons John L. Hager of Savannah, GA and Michael Thane Hager of Garland, TX; 1 brother John Patrick Hager of Golden, CO; 2 sisters Maurine Jones of Walnut Creek, CA and Kathleen Turman of Missoula, MT; 4 grandchildren Michael, Matthew, Christine & Nancy.

A Memorial Service for Mr. Hager will be at 3:00 PM Friday, May 21, 2004, at the Christ Cathedral Episcopal Church with The Very Rev. Timothy Kline officiating. A Private Inurnment will be in the Christ Cathedral Columbarium. The V.F.W. Post #1432 will perform military rites at the inurnment service.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be given to The Boy Scouts Of America, or The American Cancer Society or The Christ Cathedral Episcopal Church.