Colten Todd Hagaman

Colten Todd Hagaman lost his battle with depression this week. He will be greatly missed. Cole was a gentle, loveable, considerate, burly bear of a man with a big smile for everyone he met. Upon learning he was to be a father, Cole became excited about the coming change in his life and the birth of his son, Braxten. He grew in love and responsibility as he prepared for this event, and both savored and welcomed the experience of fatherhood and having a son to rear. His transformation was evident.

Throughout his life, Cole was one with nature, often connecting to the peace and tranquility of the outdoors and the hunting opportunities it afforded him on the family farm in Nottoway County. He spent a great deal of time alone in the woods, observing, learning, and engaging with the natural world and all of its wildlife. His pre-meal blessing included "thank you Lord, for the tasty critters on earth and in the sky." His passion carried over into his cooking of game, which was expressed with an elaborate collection of seasonings and spices, and always punctuated by a wide variety of his favorite music playing, including classic rock and country.

In his short 27 years, he gave so much joy to so many.

Cole made sure that everyone knew that he would live life his own way, and make his own path. He enjoyed heavy equipment and equipment operation from a very early age. He was constantly taking things apart, and was often not able to get all of the parts back together, per his mother. Bible verses were an important part of his daily life, including Genesis 9:3, "Everything that lives and moves about shall be food for you." Another favorite verse was expressed by his tattoo: "Philippians 4:13." That verse reads: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

He gathered friends around himself often. His joy of life was contagious. His friends knew him as the life of the party. However, sometimes an outer exuberance can hide the inner reality of a darker state of mind. Deep within, the demons have an opportunity to rise to the surface, often presenting at the onset of stress. Joy often accompanies stress as well, but too often the balance is one sided. Society does not characterize depression with other diseases such as heart disease and cancer, even though the incidence is equally as prevalent. Perhaps only the small percentage of people that experience the depths of depression and the constant struggle to maintain a positive balance can understand.

His significant other and the love of his life, Lilah Turner, his son Braxten Todd, his parents Jason and Lori, his sister Kaela and husband Ryan, and lifelong friend Tripp, will miss him terribly, as will his entire family. The family is overwhelmed with the outpouring of love from the community and greatly appreciates it. Please respect the family's request for privacy at this time. Please join us as we gather to celebrate Cole's Life on September 6, 2025 from 5 to 7 PM at the Kenston Forest School Gymnasium. All are welcome. Please dress casually. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Special Circumstance account for Braxten Todd Hagaman at Benchmark Bank.  To make a donation please stop by any Benchmark Branch location and ask for the special circumstance account in Jason's or Lori's name and the cashier will be able to help you. The family will have a Venmo QR Code soon.