Former mayor Gene Bagley dies in Mich.

Van Wert independent

COLON, Mich. — Former Van Wert mayor Eugene Bagley has died at a hospital near his home in Michigan. He was 80

Bagley first served as a member of Van Wert City Council for 22 years, from 1970 to the end of 1991. He was then elected mayor and served two terms in that position from January 1992 until December 1999.

Bagley also retired from Federal-Mogul Corporation’s National Seal plant in Van Wert, and farmed. His community involvement included membership in the Van Wert Rotary Club, Elks Lodge 1197, the former Van Wert Men’s Garden Club (now Gardeners of Van Wert County), and Willow Bend Country Club.

Van Wert City Councilman At-Large Stan Agler, who was Bagley’s predecessor as mayor and was also a classmate at Van Wert High School, praised Bagley for his service to the community. “I think he distinguished himself for his presence, his activity and his longevity,” Agler said. “We lost a good public servant, and I wouldn’t to make sure we all recognized that.”

Mayor Don Farmer, who served with Bagley on City Council, starting in 1978, as well as being a member of Council when Bagley was mayor, also praised his predecessor.

“Gene has always been a respected person in the community and rubbing shoulders with him was always enjoyable,” Mayor Farmer said. “It’s always sad to see someone like him depart our community and I offer his family the deepest sympathy. We’ll miss a person like Gene.”

Bagley leaves behind his mother, Helen (Bricker) Bagley, who survives in Van Wert, and his wife of nearly 62 years, Joanne (Edwards) Bagley.

Also surviving are three sons, David, Stephen and Ric; two brothers, James and Ronald; three sisters, J. Colleen Etzler, Diane Webb and Janell Boroff; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren (see a full obituary on the Obituary Page).