Richard James Wagner

Richard James Wagner, age 74, escaped his earthly body and departed for his heavenly home on August 24, 2025.

He was born on January 23, 1951, in Alliance, to William Joseph and Mary Jeannine (Crowe) Wagner.

How do you capture with words such a character as Richard, “Dick”, was to those fortunate to know him and love him.

He was the most amazing, devoted husband, Daddy, Grandpa, brother, uncle, and all around great man to everyone.

Richard enjoyed life to the fullest even through tough times always persevering. He kept a positive outlook on life and made the best out of every situation.

Richard loved to laugh and he had the greatest sense of humor. A jokester at heart, he lived a joy filled life full of fun filled play and antics.

He enjoyed playing cards, games, doing puzzles, golfing, hunting, as well as the thrill of scratching lottery tickets and watching football. Richard savored life’s simple pleasures, relishing cooking and eating good food. He loved listening to good music and singing or humming his favorite songs, especially by the campfire or while fiddling around. He loved more than anything, doing everything he could to make his family happy.

Richard graduated from Marlington High School. He was a hard worker for several years at Transue and Williams in Alliance and retired from Quality Synthetic Rubber.

He had a servants heart, serving his family, his community, and his Lord by finding ways to give of himself.

He served honorably in the United States Army during Vietnam. He was a member of the American Legion serving as commander for a time and every year he delivered flowers to the Gold Star Mothers. He was a member of the Hunt Club and Ravenna Arsenal and took ethical hunting seriously.

He attended and served at Maranatha Church of God in Kidz Church Ministries as Santa every year and Camp Connect at the fishing pond. Always a smile on his face and a witty remark to brighten the day. He served his family most profoundly as he never failed to be there to make it happen or find a way to fix it.

Those left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 55 years, Linda Wagner; children, Mary (Keith) Frederick, Tammy Gates, Lisa (Victor) McKay, and Dixee (Edward) Carr; brother-in-law whom he loved as a son, Kevin Anderson; grandchildren, Amelia, K.C., and Kady Frederick, Lindy, Josie, Gracee, and Daniel Gates, Breanne Bryant, Maelee, Cullen, Tori and Klary McKay, Bethany, Andrew and Caleb Carr, and Chandler Moore; thirteen great-grandchildren; sisters, Nancy (Dean) Cribley, Betty (Garry) Byram and Melody (Larry) Amendol; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Bev and Dawn; and a brother, Bill.

A visitation will be held at Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home on Thursday, August 28th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and on Friday August 29th from 8:00-9:00 a.m.

A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Friday at 9:00 a.m. with Pastor Keith Frederick officiating. Interment will be at Highland Memorial Park.