Wilmer Wagner

ARNOLD MOORE & NEEKAMP FUNERAL HOME -   Wilmer Wade Wagner, 90, died peacefully May 15th, 2020 and is now residing most enthusiastically in his true home with his Lord and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. He was lovingly cared for in his last few days, even with coronavirus pandemic restrictions, by family and friends via video messaging, text, and phone calls, and by Prairie House Assisted Living Center and Clarehouse.
Wilmer was born December 9th, 1929 in Norman, Oklahoma to Carl and Kathrin Wagner, and grew up with his older sister, Mary. He lived across the street from the University of Oklahoma where he graduated with a degree in Petroleum Engineering. He began his lifelong career as a pipeline hydraulics engineer for Phillips Petroleum Company in Borger, Texas.
After moving from Borger to Bartlesville, Oklahoma to continue his work with Phillips, he spied a lovely lady in the Phillips 66 Women’s Chorus, asked to be introduced by a friend, and it was love at first sight for both of them.
Wilmer married Lelia Lorene Gatewood on February 9th, 1957 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Bartlesville. Together they raised four children and enjoyed the country life on 40 acres west of Bartlesville. For many years they raised and milked their cows, helped develop the rural water district, and worked in their large vegetable garden. Wilmer was dedicated to his family and daily taught his children about God through his own strong faith and example.
He was known for his faithfulness in all he did. Not a night went by that he didn’t lead his family in scripture reading and prayer. He loved to tell his children and grandchildren all about his latest projects, which he always undertook with his trademark work ethic and attention to detail.
Wilmer retired from Phillips in 1985 but he didn’t slow down a bit. Along with staying busy on their land, Wilmer and Lorene traveled frequently, hosted gatherings for their friends and church, and volunteered with the Lutheran Braille Workers.
Wilmer is survived by his wife of 63 years Lorene, son David Wagner and wife Theresa, daughter Denise Klingaman and husband Mike, daughter Diane Andrews and husband Jeff, and son Stephen Wagner, as well as eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.