John Andrew Wagner, 85, of Polo, passed away Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Liberty Hospital.
John was born on April 5, 1940, in Shattuck, Oklahoma, the son of George Allen and Ella Mae (Pletcher) Wagner. He was united in marriage to Earlene Wilma Schwalk of Perryton, Texas, on August 24, 1959; she survives of the home.
Survivors include: children: Kevin (Chau) Wagner of Conroe, Texas, Sheri (J.C.) Claypool of Cowgill, Missouri, John (Cindy) Wagner of Lone Jack, Missouri, Beth (Shannon) Reffitt of Pleasant Hill, Missouri, and Julie (Todd) Smith of Coppers Cove, Texas; 14 grandchildren: Angela (Dr. Alford) Vargas, Scotty Wagner, David (Lauren) Claypool, Dustin Reffitt, Brian (Sarah) Claypool, Savannah (Austin) Evans, Rebekah (Austin) Crocker, Tanner Reffitt (Aaron Whaley), Brittany (Michael) Poggemeier, Whitney (Anthony) Stumborg, Ethan Smith, Thomas Smith, Mallory (Kevin) Smith, and Wyatt Smith; 20 great-grandchildren; and sister, Carolyn (Eddie) Angelovich of Hodgkins, Colorado.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Delbert Wagner, and sister, Allene Kauffman.
John was raised in Perryton, Texas, where he learned early on the value of hard work, faith, and caring for others. During his senior year, his family moved to LaVeta, Colorado, where he graduated in 1958. He later attended college in Fort Collins for a time before beginning the next chapter of his life.After his marriage, John worked as an engineer for the General Telephone Company in Texas and Lexington, Kentucky, for nine years. Though he did well in that profession, his heart was always drawn back to the land. He returned to Colorado and answered his true calling-ranching. It was a way of life he was born into, as both he and his wife were raised on farms, and it was where he felt most at home.John went on to serve as head herdsman on ranches across Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. He was the kind of man who could fix anything, build anything, and figure out just about everything. He was ahead of his time in his thinking, yet grounded in the old ways that valued honesty, grit, and a neighbor helping neighbor. If someone was in need, John was there-no questions asked.His life was a testament to his deep love for his family. John was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who took great pride in being present. Whether it was a ballgame, a concert, or a simple family gathering, he showed up-steady, supportive, and proud. He helped raise several of his grandchildren, leaving a lasting imprint on their lives. He never met a stranger, carried a good sense of humor, and had a way of making everyone feel welcome. He also held a special place in his heart for his in-laws, cherishing those relationships as family.
A man of strong Christian faith, John lived what he believed. He was active in his church, served as a deacon, and found joy in singing praises. His faith guided his life, his work, and the way he treated others-with kindness, humility, and grace.
While living in Lone Jack, Missouri, John was a pillar of his community. He served on the school board, was president of the booster club, a member of the PTA, and an active member of the Lone Jack Civic Club, where he served on the board. He could often be found announcing football and basketball games or keeping score, always glad to lend his voice and time in support of others.
In his spare time, John enjoyed tending to his garden and traveling, but nothing brought him more joy than time spent with his family. To John, family wasn’t just important-it was everything.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Pleasant Grove Primitive Baptist Church. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.Visitation with funeral services will be held on Monday, March 30, 2026, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, with visitation beginning at 10:00 A.M., with services to follow at 11:30 A.M. Burial will be in North New Garden Primitive Baptist Cemetery, south of Wood Heights. Please remember to share your memories of John with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.
Source: KMZU, The Farm
