James "Corky" Doyle Pagel

James “Corky” Pagel, 78, of Liberty, Texas, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2025.

Corky was born on March 6, 1947, in Baytown, Texas, to Rudolph Pagel and Verna Bednarek. He grew up in the area and was a proud graduate of Robert E. Lee High School. A longtime resident of Dayton, Corky had called Liberty home for the past 16 years.

Corky was a proud member of the Masonic Lodge in Old River and lived a life full of hobbies and passions. He loved hunting and fishing, cheering on the Houston Astros, collecting coins, and watching old Westerns. One of his greatest joys in life was coaching baseball—especially when he was coaching his son. His love for the game and for his family shined through in every inning.

He was a dog lover and shared a special bond with his beloved dog, "Figgy." Known to his family—affectionately and with a smile—as the “Grumpy Ol’ Guy,” Corky had a sense of humor and a big heart that left a lasting mark on those who knew him.

Corky was preceded in death by his father, Rudy Pagel, and his mother, Verna Bednarek Wooley.

He is survived by his son, Kelvin Pagel and wife Melony; daughters, Stacy Owens and Brittany Burns; brother, Phillip Pagel and wife Jan; sister, Debbie Bounds and husband Bobby; grandchildren, Justin Pagel and wife Danielle, Garrett Pagel, Amber Durden and husband Cody, Kailey Best and wife Brittany, Chase Rose, Tristan Rose, and Kinsley Burns; great-grandchildren, Brady Pagel, Baylor Pagel, Tyler Durden, Eli Durden, and Caleb Durden; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends who will deeply miss him.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, July 28, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Evergreen Cemetery in Crosby, Texas. Bobby Bounds will officiate.

Honorary pallbearers include Justin Pagel, Garrett Pagel, Robert Pagel, Cody Durden, Chris Pagel, Jason Pagel, and Phillip Pagel.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Corky's memory to the Masonic Lodge of Old River.

Corky will be remembered for his humor, devotion to his family, and the legacy he leaves behind in every story told around the table, on the field, and out in the woods.