OTIS — Harold Elton Wagner, 91, was born June 29, 1927, on a farm North of Otis. He passed away Aug. 18, 2018 at University of Kansas Health System - Great Bend.
After graduating from Otis High School, he helped his dad farm and then worked for years as a clerk at Meisinger and Schneider until they closed. He then worked for Ochs, Inc. for many years as a partsman. He also served for two years in the United States Army in Germany as an office clerk.
He met Norma Hartman in December 1958 and they were united in marriage on June 21, 1959. He was the proud father of two daughters, Deby (Wagner) Newsome and Kim (Wagner) Roach, and three grandchildren, Courtney James Wagner, Jayden Roach and Jacob Roach.
Harold also sang in the church choir, was a big fan of KU Basketball, KC Chiefs Football and the KC Royals. He couldn’t miss a game. He looked forward to every October going to Albuquerque, New Mexico, for the eight-day hot air balloon fiesta. He loved it. Harold and Norma were on the chase crew for 20 years, and went the past 23 years. They always told people they were in another world being around over 800 balloons from the U.S. and other countries. He played baseball well into his 40s and bowled well into his 70s.
Survivors include, his wife, Norma of the home; two daughters, Deby Newsome and Kim Roach of Great Bend; three grandchildren, Courtney James Wagner, Jayden Roach and Jacob Roach of Great Bend; one sister, Arlene Maier of Colby and many nieces, nephews, friends and adopted family members. Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Mollie (Adolph) Wagner; brothers, Paul, Raymond and Norman Wagner; and sister, Else Boxberger.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2018, at Bryant Funeral Home, with the family present from 6-8 p.m. Funeral Service will be at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2018, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Otis, with Pastor Barbara Jones presiding. Interment will be in the Otis Lutheran Cemetery, Otis. Memorials are suggested to the Harold Wagner Funeral Expense Fund or to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Aug. 21, 2018
