He was the son of Grover Haskell "Jack" Wagoner and Mary Evelyn Wagoner. He was raised in Carbon and McAlester along with his brothers and sister. Growing up, he could sometimes be found showing off his roller-skating skills at the local roller rink, where he worked for several years. After graduating from McAlester High School, he went on to serve as a lieutenant in the Oklahoma Army National Guard, while concurrently earning his bachelor's and ultimately his master's degree in education from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. He taught school and coached athletics in various public school systems around eastern Oklahoma as well as serving as principal. He married Sandie White of Broken Arrow in 1966, and had one daughter. He retired from school teaching and returned to McAlester to help care for his mother. One of his passions was geology, specifically the different kinds of rocks and minerals, in which he was a collector of many rare and unique specimens. He also was an avid collector of ancient Native American artifacts including arrowheads, spear points and tools. He was actively involved in the McAlester antiques and auction community, with a penchant for antique oil-burning lamps and figurines, as well as a eclectic personal taste in collectibles. He also enjoyed painting from time to time with many of his works proudly displayed in family members' homes. Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Robin and Ryan McCollum, of Jenks; granddaughters, Jennifer Moore, of Tulsa, and Dominique, Sydney, and Mackenzie McCollum, of Jenks; sister, Carolyn Roberts, of McAlester; brothers, Danny Wagoner and his wife, Connie, of McAlester, and Bill Wagoner and wife, Thelma, Sierra Vista Ariz., and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be nephews, Jimmy and Scotty Wagoner, and Tim, Doug, Ken, and Rick Roberts. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers, Ernie and Jimmy Wagoner. Graveside memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at the Carbon Cemetery. Arrangements were by Serenity Funeral Service of Tulsa.
McAlester News Capital
Feb. 2010