Obituary: Gene Wagoner

January 10, 1931 – March 5, 2023

Gene Wagoner, 92, of Bedford, passed away on Sunday, March 5, 2023, at Owen Valley Health Campus.

Born January 10, 1931, he was the son of Todd and Emma (Hagest) Wagoner. He married Betty Gregory on September 21, 1951, and she survives. They had a once-in-a-lifetime love for one another. Even after 71 years of marriage, they still enjoyed holding hands. They set a wonderful example for their children and grandchildren of what true love is. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather to his large family. You never left his presence without a hug and an “I love you”, especially after losing his two daughters so young. Gene and Betty’s faith in God pulled them through some very difficult times in their lives. He has now received his heavenly reward for being a faithful servant.

Gene was a member of the First Christian Church of Bedford and worked at the Bedford Church Camp for many years. Anyone who knew Gene well heard countless jokes from him. The family has a saying “that was a Papa Gene joke” for any silly joke they hear. Gene retired from A&H Trucking, at 55 years of age and was a member of the Teamsters Union. He enjoyed working on cars, lawnmowers, and anything with a motor.

Survivors include his wife, Betty, of Bedford; children, Larry (Vicki) Wagoner and Tim (Melanie) Wagoner; grandchildren, Heather (Steve) Terry, Aaron (Amy Beth), Tyler (Ruby) Wagoner, Lindsay (Gavin) Steele, Shauna (Justin) Hawkins, Brooke (Chad) Teague, Brittany (Shile) Anderson, Blair (Anthony) Taylor; great-grandchildren, McKenzie Terry (fiancé, Bobby Napoleon), Sydni and Presley Terry, Lily, George and Gwen Wagoner, Delaney, Linkyn, and Trueman Steele; Trace (Katie) and Lane Hawkins, Thomas Wagoner, Hadley, Campbell, and Crete Teague, Zane and Nadia Anderson, Remington, Hensley, and Maclain Taylor; a great-great-grandson, due in June, Willis Hawkins; a sister, Ellen (Bill) Lutes.

He was preceded in death by his parents, children, Cathy Hamilton and Polly Holtsclaw; siblings, Kenneth, Phillis, William, Gwen, Glen, and Jerry Wagoner, and Doris Farmer.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 pm on Thursday, March 9th at the First Christian Church in Bedford with Pastor Will Brown officiating. Burial will follow in Cresthaven Memory Gardens. Visitation will be from 9:00 am until the hour of service on Thursday at the First Christian Church.

Family and friends may express condolences at www.daycarter.com.