In Loving Memory of Gary Ladoyle Bagwell

August 22, 1938 - August 9, 2026

Gary Ladoyle Bagwell, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, went home to be with the Lord August 9, 2026, at the age of 87. 

Gary was born on August 22, 1938, to John Henry Bagwell and Mary Lou Smith. He was raised on a farm in Melrose, New Mexico, where he learned the values of hard work, perseverance, and family - values he carried with him throughout his entire life.

Gary was a hardworking man who took pride in providing for and caring for his family. He retired from Dow after a long and dedicated career as a construction superintendent. Even in retirement, Gary was rarely one to sit still. He loved working on things, spending time out in the yard, hunting, and fishing. If something needed fixing, building, or figuring out, Gary was usually the man for the job.

Those who knew Gary would describe him as funny, hardworking, loving, and generous. He had a way of making people laugh, and his independent spirit were unmistakably his own. Beneath that independent spirit, was a heart that cared deeply for his family and the people he loved.

Gary shared his life with his beloved wife, Lynda Ann Bagwell. Together, they built a family and a lifetime of memories that will be treasured forever.

He is survived by his son, Gary Dean Bagwell, and his wife, Crystal Bagwell; his daughter, Lynda Denise Smith, and her husband, Steve Smith; his grandchildren, Stacey Davis, and her husband, Steven Davis, Kymberly Bagwell, Kaylyn Gary, and her husband, Trevor Gary, and John Bagwell; and his great-grandchildren, Isaac Davis, Nathan Davis, Kendall Gary, Jaxon Gary, Jagger Jenkins, and Kash Jenkins.

He is also survived by his sisters, Patricia Romero, Flora Bradley, and Karen Myers, along with numerous extended family members and friends who were blessed to know him.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, John Henry Bagwell and Mary Lou Smith; his brother, Elmo Bagwell; his sister, Johnny Lou Ragsdale; and his brother, Nolan Bagwell.

Gary leaves behind more than a lifetime of memories. He leaves behind the lessons he taught, the laughter he shared; and most importantly, the love he gave to his family.

Though he is no longer here to sit in the yard, work on one more project, tell a story, or make his family laugh, his memory will live on in every generation that follows him.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

A Celebration of Gary's life will be held on August 14, 2026, at C.T. Baker & Son's Funeral Home in West Columbia, Texas, beginning with a visitation at 2 PM, followed by a funeral service at 3 PM, being officiated by Pastor Blaine St. Germain.