Obituary of Warren Wilson Wagner

Bedford-Warren Wilson Wagner, 86, of Bedford passed away at 9:40 pm on Friday, November 27, 2009 at the Bedford Regional Medical Center. Born August 26, 1923, he was the son of Oliver and Evaline (Evans) Wagner. He married Betty R. Girdley on May 9, 1943 and she preceded him in death. Warren graduated from Bedford High School with the class of 1943 where he helped lead the BHS basketball team to the high school Final Four Championship. He was in the 125th Army Infantry that fought in the Battle of the Bulge during World War II. He was awarded three bronze stars for his service. Upon returning stateside Warren played basketball for Wabash College where he earned his bachelors degree in 1949. He later earned two masters degrees from Indiana University. Warren enjoyed his career in education. He was a math teacher at Bedford High School. He was principal at Needmore High School until it consolidated with other area high schools to form Bedford North Lawrence High School. Warren was an assistant principal and later became principal of BNL until he retired in 1987. During his career, he dedicated his leisure time to raising and showing Morgan horses. He was also a member of the Lawrence County Art Association and several service groups. In retirement Warren enjoyed playing golf and is a two time member of the Hole in One Club at Otis Park Golf Course, where he caddied when he was a young man. He enjoyed the arts and made Shaker oval boxes along with other woodcrafts that he and a friend, who was instrumental in the woodcraft process, exhibited and sold at many art shows and craft festivals around Indiana. Survivors include one daughter Sally Wagner Cook of Bedford; one son David Wagner of Burlington, Vermont; one brother Victor Wagner of Bedford; one sister Ruth Louise McPike Glaze of Mooresville; one grandson Shawn Wagner; one granddaughter Vannessa Cook; and two great grandsons Bryant and Nathan Wagner. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, three brothers: William Oliver Wagner (in infancy), Gordon Wagner, George Wagner; two sisters: Iris Wagner (in infancy) and Donna Walker. Funeral Information A memorial service will be held on Thursday, December 3rd at 4:00 pm at the First Baptist Church in Bedford with Rev. Dr. Kregg Burris officiating. Friends may call from 2:00 pm until the hour of service on 4:00 pm at the First Baptist Church. Military rites will be accorded by members of the American Legion Gillen Post #33. Donations Information The family asks that friends consider memorial contributions be made to the Lawrence County Art Association, the Leukemia Foundation, or to the White River Humane Society.