Merle Gene Wagner
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Merle Gene Wagner, of Little Rock, AR, passed away July 5, 2021, at North Kansas City Hospital.
Mr. Wagner was born April 16, 1934 at home in Carlisle, PA, where he grew up. After high school he served four years in the Navy serving as aircrew specialty, the tail gunner in the P2V-6B Neptune patrol squadron 24. He rated combat aircrew wings from when a Russian Meg fired at their aircraft and he and the crew returned fire with a 20 mm twin gun mount. He was discharged as an AM2, first class. During his time in the Navy he married Judy Wagner. Together they had five children Rebecca, Chris, Gene, Andy, and Rachael. He was very active in the VFW and Optimus club; post Commander of 1848 in Jackson Tennessee. He was state commander in 1975. Later he married Janet Odegard who had two children Rolf and Gretchen. They resided at their residence in Little Rock nearly 40 years, even marrying in their home in 1989.
Merle was preceded in death by his parents Merle and Thelma Wagner (Lyter), his brother Douglas, and his sister Barbara.
Survivors include his wife Janet Wagner, brother Barney, five children, two stepchildren, 15 grandchildren, and numerous great grandchildren.
Merle was an expert craftsman who could be frequently found in his shop building things. He will be remembered for his sharp wit and grilling a perfect steak. Leaving the world, as his granddaughters Amber and Holly stated, a little less funny place.
Visits: 1
I’m missing you already, Dad. You’re always in my heart. I love you, Andy
To Janet and all the family:
My deepest sympathy and sadness for your loss.
Merle’s gift of humor was loved by all my family. He was a true gem. My dad considered him his best friend and from their first meeting Merle changed him into a happier person.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. The world is a sadder place without him.
Love and miss you dad. You’re flying high now and having fun with some awesome people up there. You are and always will be with us all. Rachael, Andy, John, Owen, Holly & Kyle.
Miss you already Papaw. I’ll never forget the excellent German lessons you gave me. Love you.
My dad was a great man in his own right. He had skills way beyond his formal educational and could master anything he put his mind and resources to. My Dad’s sense of humor was contagious as well as infinite. From “Cootie,” to “Jerry,” to “Wagner” and every nick-name in between, he lived his life to the fullest.
Dad was my mentor as well as my savior several times during my Military Career. Dad provided sage counsel to me during and after my military career. Dad brought another family into my family’s life with Janet, Gretchen and Rolf as well as their respective families.
Janet, I know you’re grief-stricken, and I grieve with you. Just know Dad’s legacy will be his grand kids and great grand kids on both sides of the family…. Patrick, Everett and Luke will ensure his lineage will perpetuate the Merle Wagner legacy.
I love you, Dad. I’m missing you, Dad. My Mind still talks to you. My heart still looks for you. My soul knows you are at peace. When it’s my time, Dad… I’ll join you In the Halls of Valhalla…. Where the Brave Shall Live Forever.
I am so sorry for.your loss & pray that God will ease your pain and only leave you with wonderful memories.
“Each departed friend is a magnet that attracts us to the next world” -Jean Paul
Godspeed, Merle. ??
Thinking of all of you during this time of grief and sending you love and prayers for comfort.