Jeffery Marshall Hairgrove

It is with great sadness that we announce that Jeffery (Jeff) Marshall Hairgrove, 74, of Flatonia, Texas passed away at his home on Monday, Aug. 26, 2024.

He was born to Odis Mathew Hairgrove and Edith Ann Flatt Hairgrove on Feb. 2, 1950, and grew up in Douglas, Arizona.

Jeff married his soulmate, Anne Kathryn (Kathy) Mitchell Hairgrove on Dec. 20, 1975. Throughout their nearly 50 years of marriage, they were truly equal partners in all that they did and were each other's best friend. He and Kathy's marriage produced two children, Travis Mitchell Hairgrove on Oct. 28, 1976 and Juston Mathew Hairgrove on Dec. 11, 1978.

Throughout his sons' childhoods, Jeff worked hard to provide for his family with early jobs that included being a mechanic, a truck driver and a restaurateur, Jeff eventually set himself apart as a skilled ranch worker. After working stints at multiple Texas ranches, he eventually settled in Alice, Texas in 1980, where he was hired as foreman at J-Bar 4 Beefmaster cattle ranch. He continued working there for 20 years, until both his sons finished college.

In addition to being a hard worker, Jeff was an avid DIY-er who insisted on fixing things himself rather than replacing them; which led to another passion of his – leather crafting. Jeff's working with leather officially began in his thirties when he went about reupholstering his living room furniture. He then went on to repair and refurbish his family's riding saddles. Years later, as he and Kathy were preparing to retire from ranch work, they fell in love with a 120-year-old stone barn they discovered in Flatonia, Texas and decided to make it their new home as well as a saddlery shop.

Over their years in Flatonia, Jeff and Kathy made many friends and became known for their weekly get-togethers, where folks were welcome to stop by for a burger, a beer and a chat. In addition to being gregarious hosts, the two became highly active members of the Flatonia community and its government.

In 2006, Jeff's characteristically hands-on approach to life spread into his service to the community when he was elected to city council and later appointed as mayor to serve the remainder of an unexpired term. In 2008, he ran for and was elected mayor and even spent part of his two-year term working double duty as city manager when the position was vacant. Then, as a firm believer in term limits, Jeff stepped away from city government in 2010.

While being a hard worker was something that Jeff was known for, he'll also be remembered for being a steadfast friend and family member who frequently rose to the occasion during difficult times (often ready with a witty quip to lighten the mood).

Jeff is survived by his wife; his sons; Juston's wife Kimberly Rae Sasser; his sister Patty Hairgrove Walker; niece Allison Breen and husband Douglas Michael Breen; great-nieces Aria James Breen and Lyra Elle Breen; as well as a host of other cousins and relatives, many of whom Jeff and Kathy met while doing genealogical research.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Billy Earl Hairgrove; sister Nan Hairgrove Robb; nephew James (Jimmy) Green; and brother-in-law Bill Walker.  A graveside service in celebration of Jeff’s life will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery at 4pm on Thursday, Sept. 19.