John Wagner Jr. 81, LaHarpe, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2013, at Labette Health in Parsons.
John was born May 9, 1932, in Garnett, the son of John David and Violet Genelle (Hartman) Wagner. He grew up in Moran. John served in the U.S. Army 15th Inf. Regt. 3rd Div. during the Korean War, attaining the rank of Cpl. E4 and was awarded the United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal-w/1 Bronze Service Star, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Good Conduct Medal and New Korean War Service Medal.
On Sept. 5, 1956, John married Eva L. Burton in Iola and over the years they have made their home in Iola, Moran and LaHarpe. He worked as a heavy equipment operator and diesel mechanic for Nelson Quarries for 57 years.
His memberships include Calvary United Methodist Church, LaHarpe Veterans of Foreign Wars, Iola American Legion, 40 et 8 and The Graybeards. John enjoyed gardening and raising flowers.
Survivors are his wife of 56 years, Eva Wagner; his five children, Jeanne Harles and husband, Will, Moran, Leon Wagner and significant other, Stacey Tate, Moran, Gary Wagner and significant other, Kelly Morrison, Iola, Janet Stafford and husband, Ron, Thayer, and Kevin Wagner and wife, Rachel, Hiattville; two brothers, Bill and Deliena Wagner, Hepler, and J.V. and Ila Wagner, Moran; one sister, Maxine Engle, Fort Scott; 14 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren with another great-granddaughter on the way; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws Bert W. and Goldie Florence (Creason) Burton, son Larry Dean Wagner, brother Melvin Dean Wagner and sister Florine Stewart.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Calvary United Methodist Church in Iola.
Burial will be at Highland Cemetery, Iola.
Memorials can be made to Calvary United Methodist Church or 40 et 8. Memorial gifts may be left with Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, which is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences for the family may be left at www.iolafuneral.com.
John Wagner Jr.
