William L. "Bill" Jago, age 89, of Athens passed away, late Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024 at OhioHealth O'Bleness Hospital, Athens.  Born Aug. 22, 1934 in Athens, he was the son of the late William Wallace Jago and Dorothy McKinley Jago.

He was a graduate of Ames-Bern High School, where he loved playing basketball.  He attended Ohio University and Barber College.  He was a barber in Athens for several years.  He was also employed by the U.S. Postal Service and retired as Postmaster of the Amesville Post Office.

He enjoyed training and racing horses for over 40 years.  He was the driver during most of those years and won the Ohio Sires Stakes in 1993.  He was a 62 year member of the VFW Post 7174, The Plains, a life member of the DAV, a member of Athens Elks BPOE 973, and the Amesville/ New England Parish.  He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War era, serving in the 82nd Airborne Division.

Bill is survived by his wife of 59 years, Darlene Wyatt Jago; his children, Kelton L. (Angela) Jago of Alexandria, VA, Stan (Karen) Jago of Albany, Ohio and Karlisa (Allan) Wright of Arizona; grandchildren Amy, Heath, and Steven, a nephew, and great grandchildren.

Besides his parents he is preceded in death by two sisters, Jo Snow and Carol Wallace; and a brother, Robert Richard Jago.  A graveside service will be held at Bates Cemetery, Alexander Township on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Carrie Ator-James and Steve Hays officiating. A repast at the Ohio University Inn Solarium from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. will following the service at the graveside. Military Rites will be conducted by the Combined Color Guard at the cemetery.  Arrangements are with Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, Athens.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bates Cemetery, c/o Pat Brickles, 5759 Pleasant Hill Rd., Athens, OH 45701.  Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.