PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – Hagner R. Mister, a lifelong Calvert County resident and former Maryland Secretary of Agriculture, passed away on December 26, 2024, at the age of 90. Known for his decades of public service and dedication to preserving Maryland’s agricultural heritage, Mister’s contributions left an indelible mark on his community and the state.
The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners announced that flags across the county will be flown at half-staff in Mister’s honor.
A Life Devoted to Service
Born on December 20, 1934, in Barstow, Md., Mister grew up in a family of farmers and embraced agriculture as his lifelong passion. After graduating high school, he began his career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Soil Conservation Service, where he helped farmers with erosion control and farm pond design.
Mister’s public service extended beyond agriculture. He served on the Calvert County Board of County Commissioners for two terms and on the Calvert County Board of Education from 1973 to 1982. In 1998, he was appointed Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, and three years later, he became Maryland’s Secretary of Agriculture, serving from 2001 to 2003.
When asked about his profession, Mister always identified himself first as a farmer, a title he carried with pride throughout his life.
Community Leadership
Mister was deeply involved in numerous organizations, including:
- Calvert County Farm Bureau
- Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation
- Calvert County Historical Society
- Calvert County Agricultural Preservation Advisory Board
- Calvert County Farmland Trust
His commitment to his faith was also evident. Mister was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, first attending Asbury Methodist Church before transferring to Trinity United Methodist Church in 1955.
In recognition of his public service, Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot awarded him the R. Clayton Mitchell Jr. Award for Distinguished Public Service in 2020.
Survived by Family
Mister is survived by his wife of 69 years, Helen Ann, whom he met in high school, and their three children:
- Carolyn Hobbs (William)
- Sherri Kennedy (James, deceased)
- Mark Mister (Dawn)
He is also survived by six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and two brothers, Joseph and Wayne. He was predeceased by his parents, Norman and Margaret Horsmon Mister, and five of his siblings.
A Lasting Legacy
Hagner R. Mister’s contributions to agriculture, education, and public service resonate across Maryland. His leadership in preserving farmland and supporting rural communities continues to impact the lives of those in Calvert County and beyond.
“Hagner Mister was a remarkable leader whose dedication to Calvert County and the state of Maryland will never be forgotten,” the Calvert County Board of County Commissioners said in a statement. “We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him.”
Funeral Arrangements
Funeral services will be announced in the coming days.
