Gerald Eagan Jr.

Gerald Vincent Eagan Jr., 87, passed away on Oct. 2, 2019, at The Blake at Edgewater in Indian Land, S.C.

He was known by some of his family in North Dakota as “Gary” and also by some extended family and friends as “Jerry.”

He was born in Drayton, N.D., on Oct. 5, 1931, the son of the late Gerald V. and Clara Kurz Eagan of Argyle, N.D. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Jere Michelle Eagan, his sister, Muriel (Joe) Arends, and his wife of 40 years, Shirley Campbell Eagan.

He is survived by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Larry and Susan Campbell, of Indian Land, S.C., and two nephews, Grant (Kelly) Campbell, of Lansdale, Pa., and Craig (Buffy) Campbell, of Chapin, S.C. He is also survived by two nieces, Deborah (Andy) Pedersen and Karen (Rick) Johnson, of Fargo, N.D., and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

Jerry completed his undergraduate work at the University of Minnesota and then served two years in the U.S. Army. Upon discharge, he received both masters and doctoral degrees in agricultural economics at the University of Tennessee. In 1972, Jerry began employment as an Extension Specialist for West Virginia University, where he worked until retirement. He wrote and co-authored numerous technical journal articles, news articles and bulletins related to his work. He was a longtime member of Suncrest Methodist Church in Morgantown.

Jerry loved training his dogs, hunting, travel and genealogy research. He was an enthusiastic fan of West Virginia University sports.

A memorial service to honor Jerry will be held at Suncrest United Methodist Church in Morgantown, at 2 p.m. Oct. 16. Family and friends will be received at the church one hour prior to the service with the Rev. Michael Estep officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the West Virginia University Extension Services in Jerry’s honor. Donations may be addressed to: West Virginia University Foundation, One Waterfront Place, 7th Floor, P.O. Box 1650, Morgantown, WV 26507-1650.