Ronald L Wagner

     Ronald L. Wagner, 85, of Chillicothe, went to be with the Lord on January 3, 2025.  He was born on April 29, 1939, in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, the son of the late Walter and Helen Wagner.  On October 28, 1961, he married his beloved wife, Sheila (Ralston) Wagner and they shared over 63 years of marriage.

     Surviving, in addition to his wife, are his two cherished sons, Kevin (Nicole) Wagner, of Chillicothe and Christopher (companion Brenda) Wagner, of Dallas, TX; 3 grandchildren, Corwin, Carson and Carleigh; a sister, Beverly Klinkert, of Bucyrus, Ohio; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Larry and Nancy Vail, of Mt. Vernon, Ohio; a special niece, Lizbeth Vail Kelley; and several nieces and a nephew.  In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, David Wagner.    

     Ron was a 1957 graduate of Mount Vernon High School and a proud member of the first undefeated – untied football team in 1956.  He attended Heidelberg College (Tiffin, Ohio) Class of 1961 and left to served in the U.S. Army for 6 years.  He was employed by Columbia Gas of Ohio Corporation, beginning as a meter reader, then area supervisor and transferred to Chillicothe as Division Manager for the southern half of Ohio.  He retired after 35 years with Columbia Gas.  He then became employed by Hatzel-Bueler Electric in Circleville, Ohio. 

     Ron was very active in both Kiwanis and Rotary (along with many other organizations).  He was a founding member of Kiwanis for the “Statehood Day” celebration in Chillicothe – which still exists.  Ron chaired the funding for both the Ross County Cancer Society and the United Way Drives.  He served many years on the Board of the Salvation Army. 

     As a faithful member of Walnut Street United Methodist Church he served in many leadership capacities.  He was a 50 year member of the Choir and helped establish the “Floral Cross” displayed for the community on Easter Sunday, along with other items which are now “Tradition” at Walnut Street Church.       

     Ron had many friends – along with a special “six couple” group including Sandy and Brent Myers, Sue and Tom Troester, Jane and Ron Harper, Sue and Joe Lazarro and Colleen and David Anderson. 

     He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. 

     Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, January 9, 2025 in the Walnut Street United Methodist Church, 16 S. Walnut Street Chillicothe, Ohio, with Pastor Therese Lehman officiating.  Burial will follow in Grandview Cemetery where military graveside rites will be conducted by the Ross County Veterans Honor Guard.  Friends may call at the Church from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. prior to the funeral service on Thursday.  Arrangements are under the direction of the WARE FUNERAL HOME.

     You may sign his online register at www.warefh.com

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