Marion Waggener

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- Marion Richard Waggener, 90, of Charleston and Marco Island, Fla., died Monday, July 29, 2013, at St. Luke's Hospital in Chesterfield, Mo.

He was born April 2, 1923, in Gideon, Mo., to Richard Garnett and Alma Geraldine Thompson Waggener. He married Paula Choate of Hickman, Ky., 59 years ago on June 13, 1954.

Marion lived in Charleston most of his life. He graduated from Charleston High School, attended Central Methodist University, then received a bachelor of science degree in marketing from the University of Missouri in 1946. After his graduation, he accepted a sales position with Firestone Tire in Akron, Ohio.

In 1952 he returned to Charleston where, as a Sinclair station agent and Goodyear tire dealer, he opened Waggener Tire Co. In addition, as a landowner he remained active in farming until his retirement.

Marion was a dedicated, civic-minded individual who unselfishly committed much time to the betterment of his community. It was while he was serving as president of the Charleston Chamber of Commerce in 1968 that the idea for the Dogwood Azalea Festival was formed and implemented. In appreciation, Charleston named him "Man of the Year" in 1969.

Gov. Warren E. Hearnes appointed him to the board of the State Industrial Development Commission, which provided the opportunity for him to be instrumental in bringing Gates Rubber Co. to Charleston. Through his persistent drive, state and federal funding was obtained for establishment of the Mississippi County Airport and Upper Big Lake Conservation (Bob DeLaney Lake). He was a member of Charleston United Methodist Church and served on various committees and as chairman of the administrative board. He had been a member and former president of the Kiwanis Club, Charleston Country Club, and was selected to be a Missouri Colonel during the Hearnes administration.

His legacy of service to his community was preceded by service to his country as a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. After enlistment in March 1943, he was chosen to participate in a select Army program, A.S.T.P., in which he spent one year studying at New York University in New York City. Next, he was assigned to the 104th (Timberwolf) Division and as sergeant of a machine gun platoon. He was the recipient of a Bronze Star.

Survivors include his wife; two daughters and sons-in-law, Sara and Kevin Chandler of Brentwood, Tenn., and Jayne Ann and Clay Milling of Atlanta; a brother and sister-in-law, Maj. Gen. Jack and Mary Ella Drake Waggener of Cape Girardeau; three grandchildren, Julie Chandler of Brentwood and Clay and Will Milling of Atlanta; and a brother-in-law, Wendell Choate of Charleston.

Also 11 nephews and nieces, John (Karen) Waggener, Drake Waggener, Robert Waggener, Mary Waggener, Rik (Julie) Getty, Jan (Wesley) Burks, Don (Lisa) Getty, Hoyt (Renee) Choate, Dan (Carla) Choate, Joey (Pam) Choate and Beth Choate.

A sister, Gerry Getty, preceded him in death.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Charleston United Methodist Church.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the church, with the Rev. Dan Faust of Boonville, Mo., officiating. The eulogy will be presented by Charles Brink of Charleston. Interment will be in IOOF Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Blair Moran, John W.L. Goodin, Bob Coon, Stephen Burke, James Marshall, Jim Moreton, Hoyt Choate and Brad Hequembourg.

McMikle Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be given to the United Methodist Church, 1700 E. Marshall St., Charleston, MO 63834; Mississippi County Library, Clara Drinkwater Newnam Branch, 105 E. Marshall St., Charleston, MO 63834; or charity of donor's choice.

Online condolences may be shared at mcmiklefuneralhome.com.