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Richard Wagner Richard Wagner Richard Wagner Richard Wagner Richard Wagner Richard Wagner Richard Wagner Richard Wagner Richard Wagner Richard Wagner Richard Wagner Richard Wagner Richard Wagner Richard Wagner Richard Wagner Richard Wagner Richard Wagner Richard Wagner Richard Wagner Richard Wagner Richard Wagner Richard Wagner Richard Wagner Richard Wagner Richard Wagner
In Memory of
Richard Basil
Wagner
1952 - 2019
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O'Dell Funeral Home
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Obituary for Richard Basil Wagner

On May 13, 2019, Richard Basil Wagner (Rick), loving husband and father, passed away to the great family reunion in the sky after a courageous battle with cancer. Following a series of emotional family setbacks and with the recent passing of his beloved nephew, “Lil” Roger Wagner, Rick’s “warrior spirit” was broken.
Rick was born on April 11, 1952 to the late David and Edna Zachary Wagner of Longacre Bottom (Smithers), WV. After graduating from Montgomery High School in 1970, he attended WVIT and began working in the Public Service District, where he spent his career learning and teaching others the ins and outs of water and sewer treatment. Upon retiring in 2018, he was devoted to the care of his eldest daughter, Christina, whom had suffered a stroke in recent years.
A family man, Rick meticulously planned the Wagner family reunion every year, where he found a unique way to bond every generation. It became a revered tradition for each family member to join hands on a single precious object: his mother’s “biscuit cutter.” He was a phenomenal cook and adored preparing and creating meals for family and friends; never following a recipe, but improvising as he went along.
An avid outdoorsman, Rick felt most at home surrounded by nature; especially in his “secret spot” on a secluded mountain in Pocahontas County. He loved camping, was extremely knowledgeable and took great pride in being among the few who could prosper in the wild. He loved the Allman Brothers, the Sycamores and most music, in general. He was funny and wise and never met a stranger. He was a beloved brother, a proud father, a mentor, a problem solver, the greatest man we ever knew and the best biscuit and gravy maker of all time!
Rick is preceded in death by numerous family members, including his brothers David Wagner, Dale Wagner and Gregory Wagner; and his nephew “Lil” Roger Wagner.
Rick is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Debbie Wagner, of Pratt, WV; his daughters, Christina Williams-Wagner of Pratt, WV; Leah Williams-Wagner and Travis Hudson of Pratt, WV; his brothers, Roger Wagner and wife, Linda Wagner of Boomer, WV; Kenneth Wagner of Greenwood, IN; Michael Wagner and wife, Tawee Wagner of Visalia, CA; Robert Wagner and wife, Katherine Wagner of Jodie, WV; his sisters, Frances Dotson and husband, Michael Dotson of Mebane, NC; Sue Mack and husband, Wayne “Mal” Mack of Lake Ariel, PA; sister-in-laws, Drema Wagner of Boomer, WV and Brenda Wagner of Fayetteville, WV; and numerous nieces and nephews. He shared a very special bond with his nephew, Anthony Wagner and family of Tavares, FL and “adopted” grandson, Hunter Wilson of Pratt, WV. Last, but not least, his best buddy, Zachary Wagner, the Dalmatian.
Special thanks to Dr. Andrew Myers, hospitalist at CAMC and the Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston, WV for their love and care throughout this time.
A private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Hubbard Hospice House of Charleston, WV or the charity of your choice.
O’Dell Funeral Home, Montgomery is in charge of arrangements. Expressions of sympathy can be sent at www.odellfuneralhome.com
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