Joseph Ernest Wagner was born August 24, 1934, in Modesto, California, the third of four sons born to Clay and Orpha (Price) Wagner. Surrounded by his family, Dad changed time for eternity on the evening of March 20, 2022, at the age of 87 years, 6 months, and 24 days.
As a boy, Dad was fascinated with automobiles, and all his life could recognize makes and models of cars at a glance, quoting obscure statistics at all hours of the day or night. Dad overcame many obstacles, investing his life in improving his technical skills, sharing these skills with others as a teacher, repairing countless vehicles, and continually serving and helping his family and the church.
Dad attended Milnes school through the eighth grade. As an adult, he earned an associate's degree in Auto Mechanics and taught Automotive classes part time at Napa Community College and Modesto Junior College. From his late teens until he retired in 1999, Dad worked as a skilled auto mechanic, briefly owning his own auto repair business.
In 1952, Dad committed his life to the Lord Jesus Christ, was baptized, and became a member of the Old Brethren Church. He faithfully served the Lord there for the next 69 years, 52 years of which he served in the deacon's office. His gentleness, concern, humor, wisdom, and character exemplified a Christ-like heart.
On December 5, 1959, Dad married Letha Marie Cover. Joseph and Letha were married for over 62 years and had four children – One daughter, Mary, and three sons: Lloyd; an infant son who died at birth; and Edward. He loved his family dearly and could often be found entertaining his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Dad loved to travel with Mom, even as his health declined. He especially enjoyed visiting automotive museums, learning about the past, and seeing God's creation. Dad also enjoyed church history, and was committed to serving his family and church congregation, loving the brethren with acts of kindness and sacrifice.
Joseph was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Mary two months earlier; an infant son in 1968; one granddaughter, Krislyn Hope; three brothers, Alvin, Daniel (and spouse Thelma), and Eugene (and spouse Ruby). He is survived by his loving wife of over 62 years, Letha; two sons and their wives, Lloyd and Beth Wagner, and Edward and Deann Wagner; one son-in-law, Darrell Martin; eight grandchildren, Luke (and wife Tina), Karin, Laurel Miller (and husband, James), Blake, Joshua, Mason, Kelsie, and Alex; four great grandchildren, Gunner and Juliette Wagner; and Gianna and Stacy Miller; and many other nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
One of Dad's favorite songs was #246 in our small church hymnal. A verse of that song eloquently expresses the testimony of his faithful life –
"Love in loving finds employ, In obedience all her joy, Ever new that joy will be, Loving Him who first loved me."
Our tears flow, and we sorrow at Dad's passing, but we see heaven through those tears. Letha and the family thank you all for your love, compassion, and help, both now and over the years. May all of us live our lives committed to Christ, awaiting the glorious resurrection and spending eternity with our Lord.
Arrangements; Saturday, March 26, 2022, Wood Colony Cemetery 3511 N Dakota Ave, Modesto, California. Viewing - 9:30 am to 10:30 am. Service and Burial - 10:30 am
As a boy, Dad was fascinated with automobiles, and all his life could recognize makes and models of cars at a glance, quoting obscure statistics at all hours of the day or night. Dad overcame many obstacles, investing his life in improving his technical skills, sharing these skills with others as a teacher, repairing countless vehicles, and continually serving and helping his family and the church.
Dad attended Milnes school through the eighth grade. As an adult, he earned an associate's degree in Auto Mechanics and taught Automotive classes part time at Napa Community College and Modesto Junior College. From his late teens until he retired in 1999, Dad worked as a skilled auto mechanic, briefly owning his own auto repair business.
In 1952, Dad committed his life to the Lord Jesus Christ, was baptized, and became a member of the Old Brethren Church. He faithfully served the Lord there for the next 69 years, 52 years of which he served in the deacon's office. His gentleness, concern, humor, wisdom, and character exemplified a Christ-like heart.
On December 5, 1959, Dad married Letha Marie Cover. Joseph and Letha were married for over 62 years and had four children – One daughter, Mary, and three sons: Lloyd; an infant son who died at birth; and Edward. He loved his family dearly and could often be found entertaining his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Dad loved to travel with Mom, even as his health declined. He especially enjoyed visiting automotive museums, learning about the past, and seeing God's creation. Dad also enjoyed church history, and was committed to serving his family and church congregation, loving the brethren with acts of kindness and sacrifice.
Joseph was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Mary two months earlier; an infant son in 1968; one granddaughter, Krislyn Hope; three brothers, Alvin, Daniel (and spouse Thelma), and Eugene (and spouse Ruby). He is survived by his loving wife of over 62 years, Letha; two sons and their wives, Lloyd and Beth Wagner, and Edward and Deann Wagner; one son-in-law, Darrell Martin; eight grandchildren, Luke (and wife Tina), Karin, Laurel Miller (and husband, James), Blake, Joshua, Mason, Kelsie, and Alex; four great grandchildren, Gunner and Juliette Wagner; and Gianna and Stacy Miller; and many other nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
One of Dad's favorite songs was #246 in our small church hymnal. A verse of that song eloquently expresses the testimony of his faithful life –
"Love in loving finds employ, In obedience all her joy, Ever new that joy will be, Loving Him who first loved me."
Our tears flow, and we sorrow at Dad's passing, but we see heaven through those tears. Letha and the family thank you all for your love, compassion, and help, both now and over the years. May all of us live our lives committed to Christ, awaiting the glorious resurrection and spending eternity with our Lord.
Arrangements; Saturday, March 26, 2022, Wood Colony Cemetery 3511 N Dakota Ave, Modesto, California. Viewing - 9:30 am to 10:30 am. Service and Burial - 10:30 am
Joseph Ernest Wagner was born August 24, 1934, in Modesto, California, the third of four sons born to Clay and Orpha (Price) Wagner. Surrounded by his family, Dad changed time for eternity on the evening of March 20, 2022, at the age of 87 years, 6 months, and 24 days.
As a boy, Dad was fascinated with automobiles, and all his life could recognize makes and models of cars at a glance, quoting obscure statistics at all hours of the day or night. Dad overcame many obstacles, investing his life in improving his technical skills, sharing these skills with others as a teacher, repairing countless vehicles, and continually serving and helping his family and the church.
Dad attended Milnes school through the eighth grade. As an adult, he earned an associate's degree in Auto Mechanics and taught Automotive classes part time at Napa Community College and Modesto Junior College. From his late teens until he retired in 1999, Dad worked as a skilled auto mechanic, briefly owning his own auto repair business.
In 1952, Dad committed his life to the Lord Jesus Christ, was baptized, and became a member of the Old Brethren Church. He faithfully served the Lord there for the next 69 years, 52 years of which he served in the deacon's office. His gentleness, concern, humor, wisdom, and character exemplified a Christ-like heart.
On December 5, 1959, Dad married Letha Marie Cover. Joseph and Letha were married for over 62 years and had four children – One daughter, Mary, and three sons: Lloyd; an infant son who died at birth; and Edward. He loved his family dearly and could often be found entertaining his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Dad loved to travel with Mom, even as his health declined. He especially enjoyed visiting automotive museums, learning about the past, and seeing God's creation. Dad also enjoyed church history, and was committed to serving his family and church congregation, loving the brethren with acts of kindness and sacrifice.
Joseph was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Mary two months earlier; an infant son in 1968; one granddaughter, Krislyn Hope; three brothers, Alvin, Daniel (and spouse Thelma), and Eugene (and spouse Ruby). He is survived by his loving wife of over 62 years, Letha; two sons and their wives, Lloyd and Beth Wagner, and Edward and Deann Wagner; one son-in-law, Darrell Martin; eight grandchildren, Luke (and wife Tina), Karin, Laurel Miller (and husband, James), Blake, Joshua, Mason, Kelsie, and Alex; four great grandchildren, Gunner and Juliette Wagner; and Gianna and Stacy Miller; and many other nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
One of Dad's favorite songs was #246 in our small church hymnal. A verse of that song eloquently expresses the testimony of his faithful life –
"Love in loving finds employ, In obedience all her joy, Ever new that joy will be, Loving Him who first loved me."
Our tears flow, and we sorrow at Dad's passing, but we see heaven through those tears. Letha and the family thank you all for your love, compassion, and help, both now and over the years. May all of us live our lives committed to Christ, awaiting the glorious resurrection and spending eternity with our Lord.
Arrangements; Saturday, March 26, 2022, Wood Colony Cemetery 3511 N Dakota Ave, Modesto, California. Viewing - 9:30 am to 10:30 am. Service and Burial - 10:30 am
As a boy, Dad was fascinated with automobiles, and all his life could recognize makes and models of cars at a glance, quoting obscure statistics at all hours of the day or night. Dad overcame many obstacles, investing his life in improving his technical skills, sharing these skills with others as a teacher, repairing countless vehicles, and continually serving and helping his family and the church.
Dad attended Milnes school through the eighth grade. As an adult, he earned an associate's degree in Auto Mechanics and taught Automotive classes part time at Napa Community College and Modesto Junior College. From his late teens until he retired in 1999, Dad worked as a skilled auto mechanic, briefly owning his own auto repair business.
In 1952, Dad committed his life to the Lord Jesus Christ, was baptized, and became a member of the Old Brethren Church. He faithfully served the Lord there for the next 69 years, 52 years of which he served in the deacon's office. His gentleness, concern, humor, wisdom, and character exemplified a Christ-like heart.
On December 5, 1959, Dad married Letha Marie Cover. Joseph and Letha were married for over 62 years and had four children – One daughter, Mary, and three sons: Lloyd; an infant son who died at birth; and Edward. He loved his family dearly and could often be found entertaining his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Dad loved to travel with Mom, even as his health declined. He especially enjoyed visiting automotive museums, learning about the past, and seeing God's creation. Dad also enjoyed church history, and was committed to serving his family and church congregation, loving the brethren with acts of kindness and sacrifice.
Joseph was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Mary two months earlier; an infant son in 1968; one granddaughter, Krislyn Hope; three brothers, Alvin, Daniel (and spouse Thelma), and Eugene (and spouse Ruby). He is survived by his loving wife of over 62 years, Letha; two sons and their wives, Lloyd and Beth Wagner, and Edward and Deann Wagner; one son-in-law, Darrell Martin; eight grandchildren, Luke (and wife Tina), Karin, Laurel Miller (and husband, James), Blake, Joshua, Mason, Kelsie, and Alex; four great grandchildren, Gunner and Juliette Wagner; and Gianna and Stacy Miller; and many other nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
One of Dad's favorite songs was #246 in our small church hymnal. A verse of that song eloquently expresses the testimony of his faithful life –
"Love in loving finds employ, In obedience all her joy, Ever new that joy will be, Loving Him who first loved me."
Our tears flow, and we sorrow at Dad's passing, but we see heaven through those tears. Letha and the family thank you all for your love, compassion, and help, both now and over the years. May all of us live our lives committed to Christ, awaiting the glorious resurrection and spending eternity with our Lord.
Arrangements; Saturday, March 26, 2022, Wood Colony Cemetery 3511 N Dakota Ave, Modesto, California. Viewing - 9:30 am to 10:30 am. Service and Burial - 10:30 am
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