It is with a profound sadness and a heavy heart that I share the sudden passing of my beloved father, Walter Arthur Wagner. He left this earth on November 9, 2024, at the age of 71. In his final moments, he was surrounded by his loving family. He entered eternal rest at his home in Buckhannon, WV.

Walter was also known as “Big Daddy” or “Walt.” Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Victoria Wagner, and his daughter, Kate Wagner. His sister Mary Eznack “Buddy” and his brother Richard Wagner Jr. “Jeanne.” His grandsons Gage Wagner, Zaden Wagner, and Ajaxx DeBarr. As well as many extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Richard Wagner Sr. and Vivian Wagner, his son Matthew Wagner, and his grandson Heston DeBarr. Walter was a kind, loving, devoted father, grandfather, husband, and brother.

He was born November 20, 1952, in Alexandria, Louisiana. Walter graduated from Tioga High School in 1970 in Tioga, LA. He attended Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA where he met his wife Victoria (Paige). They had been married 48 years.

At 17, his “soon to be” father-in-law improved his life in more ways than just giving him his dearly beloved. He introduced him to the timber industry where he would continue to “climb the tree” so to speak throughout his entire life. Walter’s career involved the timber industry for over 50 years, serving as a general manager for different companies. Those include Willamette, Weyerhaeuser, Roy O Martin, and Hunt Forest Products.

Everyone that had the honor of meeting him knew he loved to joke around. Walter, since early childhood, was a prankster to the core and no one, not even strangers, were immune from his pranks. In his prime, he was a black belt in Taekwondo. He was also a wonderful chef. He enjoyed cooking lunch for his numerous employees throughout the years.

Walter was a man of many talents. He was known to be the life of the party and kind to everyone he crossed paths with and always had a smile on his face. I say with great certainty he will never be forgotten, and his memory will live on as a part of all of us.

There will be a memorial service at his home on January 18, 2025, from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Dad, you may have loved me as long as you knew me, but I have loved you my entire life.

Written by daughter, Kate Wagner.

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