Leland Allen Wagner, 79, of Mexico, entered into eternal peace on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020, at Boone Hospital Center.
Graveside services were Saturday, Nov. 28, in East Lawn Memorial Park with Rev. Bob Stanford officiating.
Leland was born on April 16, 1941, in Perry, the son of Clifford and Mildred (Woolfolk) Wagner. He married Judith Jung on May 16, 1986, in Mexico. Over the years, Leland and Judy were inseparable. They cherished their time together while enjoying their couples Bible Studies, spending time in Branson, and at their farm. Leland, was an active member of Rush Hill Community Church, and was a Man of God who willingly served and followed God in everything he did, including teaching children’s church with Judy at Centennial Baptist Church.
Mr. Wagner was a dedicated hardworking man who worked at the Consolidated Electric Co-op for 44 years as a lineman and in later years as the operations maintenance technician while also serving as a deputy sheriff for over 40 years at the Audrain County Sheriff’s Department, and for 17 years with the Little Dixie Fire Department. He recently retired as a member of the board of directors from 911 Dispatch.
Leland loved gardening and took great pride in his beautiful flower gardens and growing his own crops. He loved spending time with family and friends as family meant everything to him, and he meant everything to them. Leland had a great sense of humor, loved to laugh, and was known for his playful pranks.
Holidays meant family gatherings, plenty of home cooked meals, and time to share his secret homemade BBQ sauce which was sought-after by everyone. During the winter months, Leland enjoyed reading, putting together puzzles, and feeding the birds and squirrels. Those who knew him for a long time or had just gotten to know him, saw he had a loving and generous heart, was always giving to others, and was easily recognizable by his wonderful smile.
He is survived by his wife, Judith of the home; two sons, Scott (Diane) Batts of Mexico and Kyle (Amy) Batts of Kansas City; daughter, Robyn (Alan) Roth of Austin, Texas; grandchildren, Randol (Kaleb) Ramseier of Kansas City, Judy Beth Batts of Kansas City, Hannah Batts of Kansas City, Jennifer Batts of Mexico, Memphis Batts of Mexico, Blake and Katelynn Roth of Austin, Texas; great grandchildren, Easton, Quinn, Eloise, and Charlee Eckstam of Jordan, Minn. (children of Brittany and Kevin Eckstam), and great grandchildren Emmi and Hunter Nelsen of Leander, Texas (children of Katherine and Nick Nelsen); sister, Carol McDonald of Vandalia; sister-in-law, Kathy Wagner of Fla.; brother-in-law Curtis (Marilyn) Jung and many other relatives and siblings that he cared for.
Leland is preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Mildred Wagner; brother, Bill Wagner; and sister, Mary Lou Campbell.
Memorials may be made to Room at the Inn or Rush Hill Community Church. They may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson, Mexico, MO 65265. Arnold Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.arnoldfh.com.
