Virgil "Bud" E. Wagner
Bud was born September 4, 1927 to Fred J. and Ruth M. (Lee) Wagner in the family farmhouse located on the east side of Rock Lake near St. John, WA. On January 13, 2011, he was taken by cancer from that same home at the age of 83. He was the fifth of six children, and growing up with 3 older sisters motivated him to cultivate a grand sense of humor and a quick wit. His engaging personality quickly made a friend of a stranger, and his endearing genuine spirit was evident to those who knew him. He will be missed by many.
Bud was a farmer. As a young man, his father's poor health prompted him to leave school during the 10th grade to assist with farm work in 1943. As several peers returned from military service and were hired to help on the farm, Bud joined the Marine Corps in January of 1946. He served in Hawaii as a corporal and was well-liked by his fellow marines; after all he was the clerk issuing Liberty Passes! Bud returned to the family farm after two years. Bud was married to Jacklyn L. Miller of St. John in 1949 and they had two children together prior to their divorce. He took over the operation of the family farm in 1950 following the passing of his father.
Bud married Jean L. Judd of Cheney on May 27, 1961. As a young girl she had lived near the Wagner family farm, and he jokingly said their first date was the day he helped Jean's family move to Cheney in 1941. They spent nearly 50 years together during which they had two children and touched the lives of many others, both within and outside the St. John Community.
In the long hours spent on the tractor Bud would often entertain himself singing, whistling, and reciting memorized poems and Bible scriptures. He was a member of a quartet that sang at churches and care centers. The group changed members throughout the years but he referred to them as "The Bald Eagles" as they all shared the same hair-cut. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and trap shooter – often scoring a 25. Bud enjoyed putting up wood cut from the property, and he loved watching the crops grow on the farm that he tended for 58 years. Being responsible for the farm that had been held in the family since 1904 was a great source of satisfaction to him, and a legacy that he held in high regard.
Following his "retirement" in 2008 at the age of 81, he often assisted with the same farming activities that he had done his whole life – with the aid of an additional 10 minute nap or two during the day. This past summer, he named the new tractor "Teddy" because it was a rough-rider like Theodore Roosevelt. Throughout his life he helped people, attended local high school sporting events, and supported many activities that family and friends were involved in. He was a long-time supporter of numerous Christian ministries and was a faithful attendee of several local church congregations.
Bud is survived by his wife Jean Wagner of St. John, his brother Fred Wagner (Darlene) of Cheney, and his sister Margaret Smith of Tekoa. Bud's children are: Jeanene Murray (Wayne) of Tucson, AZ, Jill Kelleher (Tom) of Yakima, WA, John Wagner (Patty) of Athens, GA, and Marcea Newton (Gary) of St. John, WA. He had 10 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-granddaughter.
Bud was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Ruth Wagner, his step-father Fred C. Hixson, and his sisters June Hoaglund, baby Dora Wagner, and Hazel "Kay" Sampson.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 22, 2011 at 11:00 at the Methodist Church in St. John. There will be a catered meal at the Community Building following the service. The family wishes to express thanks to the many family, friends, and health care professionals who cared for and assisted Bud over the past two months.
Memorial donations can be made to Wycliffe Bible Translators, P.O. Box 628211, Orlando, FL 32862-8211 c/o Greg and Diane Henderson, or to a charity of your choice. On-line guest book is at www.bruningfuneralhome.com
Bruning Funeral Home, Colfax, is caring for the family.