John “Bud” Wagner of Hermiston was born July 8, 1933 in Ione, Oregon the son of John and Delia (Peebler) Wagner. He passed away in Hermiston on August 29, 2018 at the age of 85.
Bud attended grade school in Ione, middle school in The Dalles and graduated from Heppner High School in the class of 1951. He then attended Eastern Oregon University where he played football in the first Shriner’s East West game. He then joined the USMC where he served for three years during the Korean War.
After his honorable discharge, Bud returned to LaGrande, Oregon where he began his career with the Union Pacific Railroad. He served as a brakeman and later as a conductor for the railroad for 38 ½ years, retiring in 1996. In 1974, he moved to Hermiston where he has resided since.
Bud was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Hermiston. He was a life member of the V.F.W. Post #4750 and the American Legion Post #37 in Hermiston where he was active on their honor guard team and in parades. He enjoyed working in his yard, gardening and woodworking.
Bud married Joyce Otis in Hermiston on June 9, 1976.
He is survived by his wife of forty-two years, Joyce of Hermiston; daughter, Jeannine Hunt of Alaska; son, John R. Wagner of California; daughter, Trisha Hattery of Washington; stepsons, Tom and Rene Barnes; thirteen grandchildren and twenty three great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Robert, James, David and Gerald; sisters, Barbara and Betty Ann.
A Funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday September 5, 2018 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1035 SE 9th Street Hermiston, Oregon). A private interment will be in Willamette National Cemetery in Portland.
Family suggest memorial donations be made to Oregon Paralyzed Veterans or Homeless Veterans.
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