Page 25 - Senior Link Magazine Winter 2025 - Online Magazine

LOCAL LEGENDS
The
Renaissance
Man
Allen Hagens
by his daughter, Cindy Gurss, with insight from family and Allen, too!
he internet describes a
renaissance man as a
Tperson who is proficient in
a wide range of skills and areas of
knowledge, reflecting the ideal of
someone who is well-rounded. That
definitely works.
I have the privilege of introducing
Allen Hagens, my father, who was
born to Bennie and Erna Hagens
on March 21, 1933. Native to
Lubbock, he was named after his
doctor, Allen Heath Stewart. I can
picture our beaming grandparents,
Bennie and Erna Hagens, and great
grandparents, Fred and Minnie
Minssen, welcoming their first child
and grandchild into this world on
that crisp March day. My dad’s life
began on the farm, and continued
there throughout his childhood
and adolescence, which included
attendance at Lubbock Cooper High
School.
Allen’s love of farming began in high
school as when he chose farming as
his FFA project. Soon after, he met
the love of his life, Leta Newton,
and they married as soon as she was
out of high school on May 29, 1954,
and had 68 beautiful years together ready to show their livestock. In
before God called my mother home addition, he was a member of
in 2022. Before my dad left to join the Lion’s Club, National Young
the Army branch of the military Farmers, and Railroad Association.
in Arizona, my parents welcomed
their first-born son, Randy, into My dad loved to water ski, golf, and
the world. After my dad’s military entertain guests with storytelling
service and experience, he would jokes. In 1980, my parents planted
always say: “Everyone should have a vineyard where he fell in love
to give at least one year of service so with everything grape—so much
it can instill multiple skills, strong so that he became the Cellar Master
discipline, respect, and love for for Llano Estacado Winery in the
our country.” My dad to this day early 1980s while our mother ran
outworks most every single one of the tasting room. My dad eventually
us with a smile on his face, honoring became the President of the Texas
the important skills he learned
serving our country.
After his service, my parents
moved back to the farm where
my dad farmed mostly cotton and
raised livestock. It was during
those years that my younger sister
and I were born. Dad helped the
farmers in the community and
hosted Thanksgiving lunches for
the workers who were harvesting
on those days; I remember being
so excited as children to host those
special guests in our home on such
an important day. My dad also
helped get 4H and FFA students
Lubbock Senior Link 25