Donald Lee Wagner

LAWRENCEVILLE, Illinois — Donald Lee Wagner, 93, Lawrenceville, passed away on Thursday, June 1, 2023, at The Villas of Holly Brook Assisted Living and Memory Care in Mt. Carmel, Illinois.

He was born on March 2, 1930, in Lawrence County, the son of Grover Cleveland and Hattie Jane (Reichman) Wagner. He married Virginia Francis Young on Nov. 16, 1971, and she preceded him in death on Feb. 9, 2006.

Don moved to rural Billett at the age of five or six. He graduated from Lawrenceville Township High School in 1948 and attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. Don joined the United States Army on Aug. 15, 1951, and was stationed in Korea as an Operations Sargent and dispersed machinery. When he got out of the military, he went back to SIU to continue his education and graduated with a bachelor's degree in agriculture and chemistry. He began working for the federal government as an underwriter for crop insurance. He worked in Indianapolis, Indiana, for three years, and the rest of his working career was based out of Springfield.

He retired in 1985, and he and his wife moved back to Billett in 1999. Don always loved turkey and deer hunting. He and Virigina went on numerous hunting trips with friends and family over the years, many to Golconda. One of his greatest loves was attending auctions, always looking for Jewel Tea Merchandise, Fostoria Glassware, or any other antique glassware. He received notices from all of the auction houses within 50 to 60 miles of upcoming auctions. Don had friends and family that he would give generously of his time when ever needed. He was greatly loved by all.

Preceding him in death were his parents; wife; two brothers, Ogle Wagner and Wayne Wagner; and three sisters, Beulah Harris, Beatrice Johnson, and Helen Robinson.

Survivors include three nieces, Carol Yvonne Harris of St. Louis, Missouri, Mary Jane Kocher and husband, Norman, of Lawrenceville, and Connie Lou Fiffick of Columbia, South Carolina; as well as his most cherished friends, who were like family, Mike and Kim Earnst, Sandi Huelskamp, and Cory Nolan.

Public graveside services will be conducted at 11 a.m. CDT on Wednesday at the Billett Cemetery, with military rites. Memorial donations may be made to Shriners Children's Hospital.

Emmons-Macey & Steffey Funeral Home in Lawrenceville is in charge of the arrangements.

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