Roy Thomas Wagner, 92 of Batesville, Indiana died Saturday, July 15, 2017 at the Waters of Batesville.
Roy was born August 16, 1924 in Batesville in “Kentucky Row” where the Batesville Soccer Club on John Street is now located, the son of Manely Hans and Eliza Purcell Wagner.
Roy is a World War II veteran. He served in the US Army as a medic, being stationed in the Philippines and Germany. Some people around Batesville knew him as “Red” and still called him that, due his reddish hair when he was younger.
On September 24, 1943, he married Norma Lee of Greensburg, IN, at the United Methodist Church in Batesville, where he was a member. They were married for 73 years. Norma preceded him in death in February 2017.
Along with his wife, Roy was preceded in death by his parents, one granddaughter, Annette Mirick, brother Gilbert Wagner and nephew Russell Wagner and 10 brothers and sisters.
Survivors include daughters Deanna (Don) Mirick, of New Point, IN, Susan (Bill) Davidson of Bradenton, FL and son, Richard T. (Andrea) Wagner of Batesville. Roy has eight grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson.
Roy was a life-long Mason. As of 2017, Roy had been a Mason for 60 years. He was Past Master along with many other held officer positions in the Batesville Masonic Lodge #668 F&AM. He was an Honorary Member of at least 15 area lodges. A friend once remarked that if Roy and his buddies hadn’t shown up for meetings at some of those area lodges, there would have been no meeting. He was also a member of and held many office, including Past Master, in the Bartimaeus Lodge U.D., Indianapolis. Roy was also a member of the American Legion and the VFW. Roy retired from the Union Furniture Factory, Batesville in 1990.
Roy loved to fish. He would take his catch to various friends so they could enjoy. He could fish all day waiting for a nibble. Roy loved the Cincinnati Reds and the Indianapolis Colts, no matter how good or bad their seasons were.
When Roy and Norma lived on Central Avenue in Batesville, Roy always grew tomatoes. He would give any extras to neighbors. Neighborhood children would stop by, say hello, and chat, when Roy would sit on his front porch during the summers.
Visitation will be Wednesday, July 19th from 11am – 1pm with Masonic Services at 1pm all at Meyers Funeral Home in Batesville, IN. Burial will follow in the United Methodist Church Cemetery, Batesville with military grave side rites.
The family requests any memorial contributions be made to the Heart Fund or Batesville EMS c/o the funeral home. Online condolences www.meyersfuneralhomes.com.