For I am convinced that neither death nor life nor angels nor governments nor things now here nor things to come nor powers nor height nor depth nor any other creation will be able to separate us from God’s love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 8:38,39
Obituary
Richard Patrick Hague, 78, passed away on July 17, 2026, in Jacksonville, Florida. He was born on March 16, 1948, in Sebring, Florida, to Troy Hague and Maria Luisa Hague, both of whom preceded him in death.
Rick is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Patti Lynne Hague; his daughter, Marci Lynn Hutton, and her husband, Nathan Hutton, whom Rick loved as a son; his son, Ian Patrick Hague; his cherished granddaughters, Isabelle Hutton, McKenna Hutton, and Brynlee Hague; and his beloved sister, Eloise Trucano, with whom he shared an especially close bond.
Creativity and hard work were woven throughout Rick’s life. He spent many years as an upholsterer, taking over his father’s business after his death. In 1989, Rick became one of Home Depot’s early installers and helped get its installation program off the ground, specializing in wallpaper. Later, his natural eye for design led him to graphic design, where he worked from 2005 until his retirement in 2013.
But Rick’s greatest legacy was never his career. It was the people he loved and the way he made them feel.
Nowhere was that love more evident than in the life he shared with his beloved Patti. They married on January 15, 1972, beginning a marriage that would span nearly 55 years. More than husband and wife, they were best friends who were truly made for each other. Their relationship was built on deep love and respect, strengthened by the way they worked together, laughed together, and found joy in life together. Above all, they depended on Jehovah through everything. To Patti, he was her partner, protector, hero, and dearest friend. Together, they showed their family what true, enduring love looks like.
His children also always knew they were deeply and unconditionally loved. His daughter, Marci, remembers that Daddy made her feel “secure, loved, beautiful, and treasured.” His son, Ian, knew he could always trust his dad’s perspective. Conversations with Rick brought him a sense of relief and clarity and helped him see things in a way he hadn't before. As Papa, Rick was a source of laughter, affection, stories, and love. His granddaughter Isabelle captured him beautifully in a song she wrote about him: he was “a big, soft-hearted man with kind brown eyes who could make you belly-laugh till you cried.”
That warmth extended far beyond his immediate family. Rick and Patti created a home where people felt welcome, and friends became family. People felt safe being themselves around Rick. They could speak openly with him, knowing that disagreements, mistakes, or imperfections would never cause him to stop loving them. Many who knew him have described him in remarkably similar ways: a gentle giant, a spiritual giant, a kind shepherd, and a man who was simply “the real deal.”
At the heart of Rick’s life was his relationship with Jehovah. His mother was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and introduced him to Bible truth, but even as a young boy, Rick made that truth his own. One Sunday, when he was nearly 13, Rick decided to compare the church service his father sent him to every Sunday morning with the meeting at the Kingdom Hall he attended with his mother in the afternoons. He resolved that he wanted to become part of whichever one used more scriptures. By the end of the day, his count was one scripture at the church to thirty at the Kingdom Hall. Rick reasoned, “If I want to learn about the Bible, I probably need to be one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.” He courageously told his father of his choice and symbolized his dedication to Jehovah by baptism on August 3, 1963, at 15 years old.
For nearly 63 years, serving Jehovah guided Rick’s life. He was an avid student of the Scriptures, searching the Bible for principles to guide his decisions and striving to understand it deeply enough to teach and defend the truths he believed. Over the years, he served as a congregation elder and pioneer and attended Pioneer Service School and the School for Congregation Elders.
He was a shepherd in the truest sense. He was strong in his convictions and willing to stand up for what was right, yet compassionate, tender, and deeply affectionate. He cared about the sheep and gave freely of himself when someone needed help. Even the most stoic of men often found themselves won over by one of Rick’s big hugs and kisses on the cheek. Nathan treasured the years he served Jehovah shoulder to shoulder with Rick and the simple lessons Rick taught him along the way: 'keep loving the sheep—even the difficult ones; always choose the kind option; and don’t be afraid to ask for help because you can’t do everything yourself.'
Rick was completely convinced that Jehovah would fulfill every one of His promises, and he believed that living by Bible principles as one of Jehovah's Witnesses was the most rewarding way a person could live. His faith shaped the husband, father, Papa, friend, and shepherd he became.
His absence leaves an enormous space in the lives of those who loved him. We will miss his voice, his sweet laugh, his wisdom, his stories, his warm smile, his gentle nature, his hugs, and the security of knowing he was there. But Rick was certain that death would not have the final word. He trusted Jesus’ promise recorded at John 5:28, 29 that a time is coming “when those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out.”
Until that day, all who loved Rick carry with them something he made certain they never had to question: They were deeply loved.
And they share the same confidence that guided Rick throughout his life: Jehovah always keeps his promises. We know we will see our dear Rick again soon.
Papa Knows Best - Video Presentation
Watch a special video presentation about Papa's life:
Gallery
Memory wall
My sincere love to the whole family💕💕
Richard and I tore up my parents back yard playing football for days...
My feeling for Richard his wife and family are immeasurable. I love them an my heart is grieving with them. Please take care of yourself...
I’m looking forward to see his face, smile, and experience as a spiritual giant John 5:28,29 thanks papa
Love to you Patti, Marci,Ian, Isabelle, McKenna and Nathan.
The home I live in today is, in so many ways, a reflection of Rick’s loving and compassionate heart. I was desperately in need of a place to call home, and Rick lovingly spoke to a brother and sister about my situation. Because they respected and trusted Rick so deeply, they welcomed me to live in one of their apartments even though I didn’t have a penny to my name. I have no doubt that Jehovah used Rick to answer my prayers. It was one of Jehovah’s many loving provisions, and I will never forget that kindness.
Rick—and Patti as well—had a beautiful way of making people feel at home. They were warm, welcoming, and genuinely loving. People naturally gravitated to them because they felt accepted, comforted, and cared for in their presence. That kind of love leaves a lasting impression.
Rick will be deeply missed. Patti, my heart aches for you. While this is an immeasurable loss for you and your family, it is also a loss for everyone who had the privilege of knowing this gentle teddy bear of a man. I look forward to the day when Jehovah fulfills His promise and we can welcome Rick back with open arms.
Ever since I was very , very young,I remember him, aunt Patti, my dad & mom used to get together. That’s where I learned how to laugh, how to cry, how to appreciate Jehovahs wonderful gifts. Like music. Aunt Patti & Becky would play & sing in such sweet harmony! And Uncle Rick anlways had such an andoring smile as he watched & listened to his bride.
Uncle Rick was not only a wonderful husband, father, granddaddy & friend to all…but was one of the kindest shepherds I’ve ever known.
Can’t wait to welcome him ,his friend Kenny, (dad), & so many others back to life!
It’s just around the corner now!
I’ve had the privilege of being close to Patty‘s Mom, I got to know Patty and Richard, when they moved up from Orlando.
I love their Hospitality. I love Richard’s wisdom as a spiritual giant. He helped me to think about things that I didn’t think about when I was caring for my mom. He will surely be missed, Patty I’m here for you.
He will be missed so much.
We can't wait to welcome him back with no health problems.
I will forever be grateful and thankful!!!
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