REVEREND LIEUTENANT COLONEL COMMANDER EDWARD THOMAS HAGGINS JR. ESQ.
June 19, 1929 – June 8, 2026

Reverend Lieutenant Colonel Commander Edward Thomas Haggins Jr. Esq., devoted father, attorney, military officer, real estate broker, entrepreneur, mentor, ordained clergy member, and servant leader, lived a life defined by faith, service, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to helping others.

Born on June 19, 1929, in Springfield, Ohio, Edward was the eldest of four sons born to Edward T. Haggins Sr. and Henrietta Haggins Walters. Raised in a family deeply rooted in faith, education, perseverance, and service, Edward carried those values throughout his life. His mother, an educator, taught him to read before he entered school, instilling in him a lifelong love of learning and achievement. The strong spiritual foundation established by his family would guide him throughout his life and ultimately shape his calling to ministry and service.

Growing up during the challenging years of the Great Depression, Edward developed a strength of character, determination, and sense of purpose that guided him throughout his nearly century-long journey. His family legacy stretched from the struggles of slavery to generations of accomplishment, education, ministry, and community leadership.

Edward began his lifelong commitment to service in 1946 when he joined the United States Army Reserve. Through dedication, discipline, and leadership, he rose through the ranks to become a Lieutenant Colonel and Commander. His distinguished military career included service in the Judge Advocate General Corps, graduation from the Command and General Staff School, an honorable discharge in 1978, and recognition with the Distinguished Service Medal.

Committed to education and personal growth, Edward attended West Virginia State University from 1948 to 1951, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. During his college years, he joined Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, where he served as Chaplain and embraced a lifelong commitment to scholarship, leadership, and service.

In 1952, Cleveland, Ohio became his permanent home. He began his professional career as a Home Office Auditor with Dunbar Life Insurance Company before pursuing a legal career. He joined Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity in 1963 and earned his Juris Doctor degree from Cleveland State University John Marshall Law School in 1966. In recognition of his lifetime of service and achievement, he was inducted into the Cleveland State University College of Law Hall of Fame in 2025.

Edward served as a Revenue Officer with the Internal Revenue Service and earned Tax Court Certification. In 1971, he obtained his Ohio Real Estate Broker’s License and became a respected real estate broker, entrepreneur, and community leader. He later founded E & D Realty and Investment, Inc., building a successful business while mentoring future professionals, including Steve Davis and Lydia Pope. In 1991, he established Xtra Title Agency, continuing his commitment to community development and economic empowerment.

While his professional accomplishments were significant, Edward often considered his greatest calling to be serving others. In 1990, he began prison ministry work throughout Ohio, dedicating himself to helping incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals rebuild their lives. Through faith, mentorship, practical guidance, and vocational training, he helped countless men find hope,

purpose, and a second chance. He believed that no one was beyond redemption and that every life deserved compassion and opportunity.

His devotion to God deepened throughout his life, leading to ordination within the Episcopal Church. As a faithful servant, Edward dedicated himself to ministry, leadership, teaching, and outreach, touching countless lives through his commitment to sharing God’s love and grace.

Edward’s generosity extended far beyond his personal and professional achievements. He supported scholarships, educational programs, community organizations, and prison ministries throughout his life. His charitable contributions included support for Cleveland State University

College of Law, the Cleveland Foundation, West Virginia State University, the Zella Haggins Nursing Scholarship at Cuyahoga Community College, and numerous prison ministry initiatives. He believed deeply in opening doors for others and investing in future generations.

Edward shared 39 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Zella M. Haggins, until her passing in 1996. Together they built a family and a legacy grounded in faith, love, education, and service.

Edward was called into eternal rest on June 8, 2026 at the age of 96. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Zella M. Haggins; his parents, Edward T. Haggins Sr. and Henrietta Haggins Walters; his sons, Charles Haggins, Ronald Haggins, and Reginald Haggins; his brothers, Isaac Haggins, Henry Haggins, and Eli Haggins; and other cherished family members and friends who welcomed him into eternal rest.

Edward’s love for God was matched only by his love for his family. He leaves to cherish his memory his two devoted daughters, Denise (Earl) Pierson and Danielle (Brandon) Gibbs; his devoted bonus children, Steve (Darlene) Davis and Lydia (Lenard) Pope, whose unwavering love, support, and care reflected the deep bonds they shared with him; his cherished grandchildren, Charles, Myles, Henry, and Vivian; his beloved nieces and nephews, Isaac Jr, (Tanya), Ivan (Chellene), Kathleen (Gerald), Ilene (Granville) and Karen; along with great grandchildren, cousins and a host of extended family members, fraternity brothers, fellow clergy, mentees, friends, and countless individuals whose lives were forever changed by his guidance, generosity, faith, and compassion.

Edward T. Haggins lived a life of purpose. He served his country with honor, practiced law with integrity, built businesses with vision, ministered with compassion, and loved people through action. His legacy is not measured solely by his accomplishments, but by the lives he touched, the opportunities he created, and the unwavering faith that guided him every step of the way.

Well done, good and faithful servant.