Wilfred Pagan Jr.

Wilfred Pagan Jr., 80, of Owensboro, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on September 8, 2024, as he went to be with the Lord after a courageous five-year battle with cancer. Will was born in Daviess County on February 29, 1944, to the late Wilfred and Mary Ann Horn Pagan. Will grew up in Thruston and graduated from Daviess County High School. He continued his education at Western Kentucky University, where he obtained a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, and a Rank 1 certification. 

Will's career was deeply rooted in both education and athletics. He began teaching at Livermore High School before going to Daviess County Junior High, where he taught math and coached basketball and track for seven years. In 1976, he transitioned to teaching and coaching girls' track and cross country at Daviess County High School. During his tenure, his teams won eight state championships, leading to his induction into the KHSAA Hall of Fame and the DCHS Athletic Hall of Fame. 

A devoted and lifelong Yellow Creek Baptist Church member, Will centered his life around faith and service. He served as a deacon and was actively involved as a member of the Yellow Creek Baptist Cemetery Board. His passion for the church community inspired him to help establish a sound engineering program, ensuring worship services ran smoothly. As chairman of the church's recreation committee, he fostered fellowship through various activities. Will also played a key role in organizing and managing the Daviess County Church softball league, uniting people through his love of sports and community service. 

A collector, Will enjoyed antiquing for trunks and vintage clocks, which he would repair. He was also passionate about collecting sports memorabilia, particularly trading cards. 

Family was at the heart of Will's life. He took immense pride in being involved in his children's lives, from helping with school projects to cheering them on at their school and church activities. Family vacations were a cherished tradition, filled with joy and anticipation, while holiday gatherings became special times to come together, celebrate, and enjoy friendly competition over board and card games. This deep love and devotion to family extended to his grandchildren as well, as Will passed on the same traditions of family trips, holiday celebrations, and unwavering dedication, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Melvin Pagan. 

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 59 years, Sharon Camp Pagan; children, Jacqui Pagan Wood (Don), Sara Pagan Spangler (Patrick), and Nate Pagan (Michelle); grandchildren, Cooper Wood, Eli Wood, Ben Wood, Sydney Spangler, Sophie Spangler, Andrew Pagan and Griffin Pagan; a sister, Artie Pagan Whitaker (Ron); a sister-in-law, Pat Pagan; and uncle, Shirley Pagan. 

The family wishes to express appreciation to Drs. Jacob Hodskins and Dan Andersen for dedicated and considerate medical care over the last few years 

The funeral service for Will Pagan will be at 11:00 am Friday, September 13, 2024, at Yellow Creek Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 3:00 until 7:00 pm Thursday at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory and from 9:00 am until 11:00 am Friday at the church. Burial will follow the funeral service in Yellow Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. 

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Yellow Creek Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 5741 KY-144, Owensboro, KY 42303