DON L WAGAR

Don L. Wagar, a long-time resident of Sharon Township, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2014 at Altercare of Wadsworth following many months of declining health.

He was a member of the Sharon Heritage Society, Sharon Community Trusts, American Legion,
The Medina Masonic Lodge, Royal Arch Masons, Medina County Commandery, Medina Order of Eastern Star, and Scottish Rite, Valley of Cleveland. An accomplished photographer, his pictures have appeared regularly in The Post Newspapers for the past seven years. In 2013, he received the prestigious Community Service Award, presented annually by the Sharon Heritage Society to a person who has contributed to the heritage and enrichment of the Sharon community. Moreover, he was considered the “go to guy” by many Sharon residents because, it seemed, Mr. Wagar could fix almost anything and was always willing to help others whenever the need arose. A pilot, he had a private airstrip for many years on his Ridgewood Road farm. A lifetime resident of Medina County, Don proudly served his country in World War II as a member of the 878th Airborne Engineers. He was employed by the Ohio Department of Transportation, where he worked his way up through the ranks to become Superintendent of Interstate 71, a position from which he retired.

He was predeceased by his son, Rick, and is survived by his wife, Rita Jean: son, Erik; daughter, Robin Pace, and the grandson he raised, David. He is also survived by several adopted and foster children, several additional grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, a brother and numerous nieces and nephews. Special thanks to granddaughters Heather and Laura Wagar and their wonderful mother, Kathleen, and to the staff at Altercare and Hospice of Medina County for the loving care they continually provided.

The family will receive friends Monday, December 1, 2014 from 3 to 8 PM at Carlson Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, 3477 Medina Road (corner of River Styx and Rt. 18), Medina, Ohio. Funeral Service will be conducted Tuesday, December 2, 2014 at 11 AM. also at the funeral home. Burial in Sharon Cemetery with full Military Honors.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Sharon Fire and Rescue, P.O. Box 310, Sharon Center, Ohio 44274; Hospice of Medina County, 5075 Windfall Road, Medina, Ohio 44256 or Medina County SPCA, 245 South Medina Street- PO Box 135, Medina, Ohio 44258.