Delmar Wagner

Delmar Andward Wagner, 86, of Cape Girardeau died Sunday morning, Nov. 4, 2007, at his home.

He was born Aug. 4, 1921, a son of William "Flay" and Clara Christine Koeppel Wagner. He and Bernice Latham of Morehouse, Mo., were married June 29, 1946, in Cape Girardeau.

Delmar was a 1940 graduate of Central High School and prior to joining the Navy, worked for Curtis Wright Aircraft Co. in St. Louis.

He served in the U.S. Navy from Oct. 14, 1942, to Feb. 19, 1946. Delmar served in the Pacific Theater during World War II as a Naval aviation mechanic and flight line plane captain, specializing in maintenance of Pratt & Whitney dual row radial engines and airframe wing integrity. Mr. Wagner was awarded World War II American Area Victory Medal, good conduct and the Asiatic Pacific Area medals. He achieved the rank of aviation machinist mate first class.

Upon returning from the war, Delmar worked for Millikan Motor Co. and was a service manager 35 years as the dealership changed to Charlie Towns, and then Dean Taylor Cadillac-Olds, retiring in 1987.

He was a member of Maple United Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau and a former member of Whitewater United Methodist Church where he was a member of the Methodist Men's Club. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post 3838.

Delmar was a selfless person who loved to have fun and was a wonderful husband and father. He will be remembered for his humor and quick laugh.

Mr. Wagner is survived by his wife Bernice; a son and daughter-in-law, Bob and Kathy Wagner of Jackson; and granddaughter and husband, Dr. Hope C. and Brian Beatte of Centennial Colo.; a grandson and wife, Andrew K. and Bethany Wagner of Philadelphia; a brother and wife, Melvin and Dorothy Wagner of Jefferson City, Mo.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Anita M. Parrish.

Family and friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Jim Cooper officiating. Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park with full military rites by Missouri Honors Team and VFW Post 3838.