Garnett “Andy” Hager

Garnett Anderson (Andy) Hager passed away surrounded by his loved ones on March 21, 2024.

He was born on December 12, 1954, in Lexington Kentucky to the late Garnett "Rhodie" Hager and Alice Williams Hager.

Andy had an extensive railroad career over the years. He was president of Jessamine Construction Co., working alongside his father and later his two sons. At the end of his career, he offered his expertise to Road and Rail Services, sharing his skills and knowledge with many young railroaders before retiring from the railroad industry altogether.

He married his Jessamine County High School sweetheart, Brenda Kay Hall, in 1974. They would have celebrated 50 years of marriage on June 1st. They raised their family and made their home in Jessamine County. He retired to a cabin in the woods where he spent his days with his wife and time playing with grandchildren teaching them many trades. In his younger years, he played the drums. His love for rock and roll music carried on throughout his life. He had a hobby of splitting firewood and wood-burning stoves, serving others, and making people laugh. He forged friendships with many, near and far, on and off the railroad. His door and heart were open to anyone he met along the way. He grew a beard that made him famous and played the best “Santa Pops” for his grandchildren every Christmas. He had an undeniable bond with each of his children, their spouses, and all of his grandchildren. He was a loving brother, devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend, and mentor to many. He was honest and giving as the day was long. He was a simple man with deep-rooted values in Christ and family. His sense of humor, honesty, quick wit, and wisdom was unparalleled. He will be loved and remembered forever.

Surviving with his wife Brenda, are his three children and their spouses Garett (Renee) Hager of Nicholasville, Jeremy (Cheryl) Hager of Nicholasville, and Shanon (Chad) Jorgensen of Blackfoot, Idaho. His ten grandchildren are Braydon and Rhett Hager, Tinley, Tate, Teagan and Tackett Hager, Jackson, Dawson, Landy, and Knox Jorgensen. His sisters Lynn (Ernie) Rainwater, Ann Hager, and Jan Hager, all of Nicholasville. Along with his mother-in-law, Delphia Maxine Froehling, of Lexington, Kentucky, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law, Jack V Hall.

Services will be held at Betts & West Funeral Home in Nicholasville, KY. Visitors are welcome Wednesday, March 27, 5 pm - 8 pm. The funeral will be held at noon on Thursday, March 28.

The Pallbearers will be Mark Combs, Brian Perkins, PJ Veal, Jonathan Locknane, Braydon Hager, Rhett Hager, Jackson Jorgensen, Dawson Jorgensen, and Tate Hager with honorary pallbearers being Knox Jorgensen and Tackett Hager.