THOMAS ETHAN WAGNER - OBITUARY

May 2, 1924 - July 21, 2003.

THOMAS E. WAGNER, 79, of Spencerville and Phoenix, died at 5:30 a.m. July 21, 2003, at Lima Memorial Hospital following a short illness. He was born May 2, 1924, in Salem Township, Auglaize County, to Ralph D. and Iva D. Fryer Wagner, who preceded him in death. On Jan. 12, 1947, he married Koneta Fern Reed, who survives.

 

Mr. Wagner was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Spencerville. He was a charter member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6772, Spencerville, and the Gripers Club. He was a member of American Legion Post 191, Spencerville, Centennial Chapter 7364 Sons of the American Revolution, and Military Order of Purple Heart chapters 1958 and 472, both in Arizona.

 

He was a 1942 graduate of Spencerville High School. He was an Army veteran of World War II, serving three years. He took part in the D-Day Invasion of Normandy Beach, for which he was awarded the Purple Heart. In 1995, he was presented the 50-year Medal for the Invasion of Normandy Beach by the French Ambassador in Sun Lake, Ariz. He attended the 55th anniversary at Normandy Beach and was looking forward to going to France for the 60th anniversary.

 

Survivors also include three brothers, Ray D. (Margaret) Wagner of Mesa, Ariz., Harry A. (Gloria) Wagner of Muncie, Ind., and F. Dow Wagner of Spencerville; and two sisters, Lola F. Rockhold and Ruthella (Curtis) Hager, both of Spencerville.

 

Services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, Spencerville. The Revs. Michael Swanton and John G. Medaugh will officiate.

Burial will be in Spencerville Cemetery with military rites by VFW Post 6772 and American Legion Post 191. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church or Military Order of Purple Heart Association.