Ronald L. Wagner, 85, of Chillicothe, peacefully went to meet his Lord on January 3, 2025. He was born on April 29, 1939, in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, to 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 sons, Kevin (Nicole) Wagner of Chillicothe and Christopher (companion Brenda) Wagner of Dallas, TX; three 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 nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, David Wagner.
Ron was a 1957 graduate of Mount Vernon High School, where he was a proud member of the first undefeated football team in 1956. He later attended Heidelberg College (Tiffin, Ohio) and served six years in the U.S. Army. Ron worked for Columbia Gas of Ohio for 35 years, starting as a meter reader and rising to Division Manager for southern Ohio. He also worked for Hatzel-Bueler Electric in Circleville.
Ron was deeply involved in his community, serving in Kiwanis, Rotary, and many other organizations. He was a founding member of the Kiwanis "Statehood Day" celebration in Chillicothe, chaired the Ross County Cancer Society and United Way Drives, and served on the Salvation Army Board.
A lifelong member of Walnut Street United Methodist Church, he was part of the choir for 50 years and helped establish the "Floral Cross" tradition for Easter.
He is survived by many close friends, including a special group of six couples. Ron will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Funeral services were held at Walnut Street United Methodist Church, with burial in Grandview Cemetery, where military honors were provided by the Ross County Veterans Honor Guard.
