Lee “Kirby” Thomas Hagel  October 7, 1959–February 22, 2024

For those who were lucky enough to know Lee, they will remember and will be forever enriched by his warm welcoming smile, offer of a beverage or a meal, a relatable cowboy story, his infectious chuckle and the knowledge that you have just met a friend for life.

Lee was born October 7, 1959 to Walter and Grace (Jackman) Hagel, joining brothers Donny and Vernon in a hard working farming family in Steele, ND. After high school, the cowboy way of life soon lured Lee from his hometown and found him working at ranches across North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, California, and Nebraska.

Lee and his life partner, Sara Douglas, were married in Sheridan, Wyo. in 1992. Their daughter, Maysa Rose, was born in 1997 while Lee was working at Antelope Run Ranch near Big Piney, Wyo.  Becoming a father a bit later in life, Lee embraced the role of fatherhood wholeheartedly and was the first to admit Maysa had him wrapped around her little finger from the moment she arrived. Maysa was the light of his life.

In 1998 Lee took a job at the Padlock Ranch outside of Dayton, Wyo.  Moving to Sheridan County made it possible for Maysa to grow up near her grandparents, Bob and Lee Douglas.

The Padlock feedlot was Lee’s primary place of work for the next 26 years.  Countless Padlock interns were welcomed by Lee when they started their summer rotation. He took pride in teaching them as much as possible in the time he had with them. He tried to make the Padlock their home away from home, inviting many interns to sit under the trees in his yard, relax after a long day, share a meal, and continue their cowboy education. The men and women Lee worked beside—cowboys and cowgirls—were his favorite part of the job.  The Hagel household was constantly welcoming to new, current or former Padlock employees.  

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Lee was a cowboy through and through, greatly appreciating the things important to the cowboy way of life; well-broke horses, handmade horse gear, bits, spurs, ample servings of a home-cooked meal and anything that keeps you warm in the feedlot in January.

Lee had a legendary appetite—he could eat more at one meal than most people ate all day.  Home cooking was the quickest way to win Lee over and he had a great memory for certain desserts or dinners that made an impression. He was always appreciative of anyone who knew how to make good food and plenty of it.  

One of Lee’s greatest attributes was his kindness. It didn't matter who you were, if he knew you or not, if it was a person or livestock, Lee was always kind-hearted. If you needed something, and Lee had it or could help you out in any way, he would do it.  Even when it was not in his best interest.  His eyes displayed his kindness and put many people at ease from first meeting. Lee’s ability to meet a stranger, quickly find common ground and create a friendship at a moment's notice was enviable.

More than anything, Lee loved a gathering, a party, an event- any excuse to be around people. Lee never met a stranger, everyone was either a friend or a friend-to-be. In any group, and in less than an hour, Lee would have made fast friends, shared a laugh or an amusing cowboy story, or an appreciation for fine beverages, especially scotch. Lee was able to retain many of those friendships for life. Lee’s ability to form human connections between people from all walks of life was a talent all his own and will be missed.

For a few short months, Lee bravely battled an undetermined abdominal cancer.  He passed away at Sheridan Memorial Hospital surrounded by those he loved; family, men and women he worked alongside, and friends.  Thank you to everyone who supported Lee throughout his past and recent health struggles and through Maysa’s continued stroke recovery.

Please remember Lee by wearing a bright red shirt, welcoming new people in your life, helping someone in need, encouraging someone who needs it, holding your loved ones close while watching a good Western film and enjoying a scotch in his name.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Grace Hagel, siblings Vernon and Lyla Hagel, and sister-in-law Donna Hagel.

He is survived by his wife Sara Douglas Hagel, Dayton WY, daughter Maysa Hagel, Coeur d'Alene, ID, brother Don Hagel, North Platte, NE, sister-in-law Peggy Hagel, Sheridan, WY, parents-in-law Bob and Lee Douglas, Sheridan WY,  in-laws Vandy Douglas, Ft. Davis, TX, and Luke Harris, Marble Canyon, AZ, nephew Aaron (Sandy) Hagel, nieces Stacey Hagel, Callie (Ken) Wood, and Jessica (Martin) Woodard. Lee is also survived by numerous uncles, aunts and cousins.

Kane Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements and cremation has taken place. At Lee’s request, a celebration of life will be held June 2, 2024 at Padlock Ranch headquarters from 1 until 4 pm. If you are so inclined, please wear red, his favorite color, as we gather to remember him. There will also be red ribbons available to wear if needed.

Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with local arrangements.

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