Richard D. Wagner

Richard D. Wagner, 75, of Defiance, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, October 8, 2022.

He was born on January 11, 1947 to Robert E. and Velma F. (Doyle) Wagner in Defiance. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Ken (d. 1993).

Rich is survived by his wife of 53 years, Karen (Horsey) Wagner, his daughters, Amy and Chris McDonald of Defiance, and Mary and Brent Stockman of Ft. Wayne, IN. He is also survived by his grandchildren; Alyssa, Cameron, Bralyn, and Macy. Also surviving are his brothers; Jerald (Sue) Wagner, Jim (Sharon) Wagner, Mark (Debbie) Wagner, and his sister Roberta (John) Sickmiller.

Rich graduated from Defiance High School in 1965. He began working at General Motors. Then, he was drafted into the US Army in 1966. He served for 2 years traveling to South Korea for 18 months. When he returned home, he continued to work at GM and was married July 20, 1968.  

Rich worked as an electrician at GM for 43 years, he was a member of the board of the Arthur Mutual Telephone Company for 32 years, and served as President for his last 9 years of service. He was a volunteer firefighter for the Auglaize Township Fire Department for 27 years, and he served in a variety of roles at The Defiance Christian Church.  He was a member of UAW #211 and VFW #3360. Rich enjoyed cheering for the DHS Bulldogs and for any activities in which his grandchildren participated. He enjoyed bowling, corn hole, boating, fishing, and playing cards and games with his family and friends. He always knew all the rules whether it was the Bible, the Constitution, or Risk. He was loved by his family, friends, and community.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 16, 2022 from 3-7pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance, Ohio.  Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 17, 2022 at Defiance Christian Church at 11am with Pastor Mike Hasselbring officiating.

The family would like to thank everyone for their support and prayers.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Defiance Christian Church.

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