Donna Wagoner

Donna Mae Ward Wagoner left her earthly home and entered her heavenly home Thursday, June 23, 2022, at Capetown Assisted Living at the age of 85 years surrounded by her loving family.

The daughter of Ivan E. and Velma P. Humphreys Ward was born March 3, 1937, in Advance, Missouri. She attended Advance grade and high school, graduating in May 1955. She participated in many school activities, but counted cheer leading her favorite. She enjoyed dancing, swimming and sewing, and was an active member of her youth group at the Methodist Church. She was crowned Carnival Queen in Advance and represented Advance as "Miss KFVS" in the Jackson Homecoming Queen Contest.

Donna and Charles "Speedy" Wagoner met at Dutchtown Danceland, when Speedy promptly announced, "I'm going to marry you," and she replied, "You're crazy!" They were married Dec. 25, 1955, at the Methodist Church in Advance. They began their married life in Oran, Missouri, later moving to Cape Girardeau. Donna and Speedy shared a love for dancing. They danced their way through life, winning numerous contests and lighting up many dance floors at weddings and parties. The "jitterbug" was their all-time favorite.

Donna worked several jobs, but excelled as a "customer service representative" at J.C. Penny for over 30 years. She had a green thumb, inherited from her mother, and spent hours beautifying their home in Cape Girardeau. She loved antiques and collected many treasures which she used to furnish and decorate their home.

Donna was a member of Lynwood Baptist Church and on April 5, 1992, she rededicated her life and was the last person to be baptized at the old Lynwood Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Loving survivors include her husband, Charles "Speedy" Wagoner of Cape Girardeau; three children, Bradley (Janice) Wagoner of Mount Juliet, Tennessee, and Tracy (Rick) Blattner and Tori (Joe) Welch, both of Cape Girardeau; grandchildren, Brandon (Julie) Wagoner, Amber (Brian) Watson, Dr. Trevor Blattner, Jill (Donnie) Mai and Dalton (Krissy) Welch; great-grandchildren, Caleb, Lucy and Sarah Wagoner, Marlee and Kendell Watson, Kate, Nora Jane and Lenna Blattner, Ayla and Evie Mai, and Charlee Beth Welch; brother, Bill (Joy) Ward of Advance; sister, Sondra (Ray) Fulkerson of Cape Girardeau; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Lynwood Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at the church. A private graveside service will be held at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial contributions may be given to Lynwood Baptist Church.

Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.