Melvin Lewie Hageman, Jr.

Melvin (Lewie) Hageman Jr., 72, of Defiance, passed away on  April 15, 2023 at the his residence.  
  
He was born on July 5, 1950 to Melvin "Red" and Marie (Spangler) Hageman in Defiance.  On  May 15, 2012, he married Tina (Leatherman) Hageman who survives in Defiance.
  
Lewie was a 1968 graduate of Ayersville High School and had several tech school diplomas and certifications.  He served in the Army National Guard in the 323 MP division.  He attended the first ONG NCO school.  Lewie spent 20 years in law enforcement.  First with the Sheriff's Posse and then a Deputy Sheriff and then a Special Deputy.  He and Sheriff David Westrick re-organized the Special Deputies and named Lewie the founding president.  He then went to the Defiance Police Dept. as an auxiliary officer, he there again the re-organized naming, Lewie as the first president until he retired in 2005.

He worked at A.Van Brackel and Sons as an account representative and league coordinator.  He and Don Van Brackel designed the AVB Pool League Association, starting with one league in 1981, growing to 20 leagues and 2000 players.  He also founded the AVB regional tournament and CAN/AM tournament.  Lewie served as OCMA's State Pool League coordinator for seven years.  He received OCMA's outstanding service award and the meritorious service award.  He served on the membership committee, rules committee, tournament committee and the board of directors of the Valley National 8-Ball League Association, or VNEA.

He was the founding president of the Brunersburg water and sewer board.  He spent most of his life in sales and loved working with people.  He worked several jobs including J&S Electronics and Cooper Farms.  He enjoyed most all sports; golf, boating, water skiing, snow skiing, baseball and football.  He was an avid fan of OSU, Cleveland Browns, and the Cleveland Guardian baseball team.

He was a 32 degree Mason of Omega Lodge #564, he was worshipful master in 1983.  Lewie had the rare opportunity of raising his father into masonry, this was a first for the state of Ohio.  He was past patron of the Eastern Star in Defiance.  He  was a Golden Eagle member of the Eagles Lodge 372. He was a charter member and life member of AMVETS post 1991. He was an ex-service member of the VFW post 3360.  He was a life member of the Moose Lodge 2094. 
  
Melvin is survived by his wife, Tina; daughters, Amanda Wilhelm of Paulding; Amber Provilus of Defiance and step-daughter, Amanda Athy of Angola as well as eight grandchildren.  He is also survived by his siblings, Marv and Mark Hageman both of Defiance and Mary Potter of Florida.
  
He was preceded in his parent and his brother-in-law, Allen Potter.
  
Visitation will be held  at Schaffer Funeral Home South/ Lawson-Roessner Chapel (1753 S. Clinton), Defiance, Ohio on Thursday, April 20 from 2:00pm to 8:00 pm.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, April 21 at the funeral home, with Fr John Stites officiating.  Burial will follow at Riverview Memory Gardens.
  
  
Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association.  Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.

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