Stephen Ray Wagner

Stephen Ray Wagner, 78, of rural Macy, Indiana passed at 4:10 am, Thursday, May 1, 2025 at the VA Medical Center of Marion, Indiana. Steve was born on July 27, 1946, in Rochester, Indiana, to the late George and Normalene (Fites) Wagner. A proud graduate of North Miami High School, he completed his studies in 1964 before answering the call to serve his country. He joined the U.S. Army and was stationed with the 69th Military Police Detachment from late 1965 until his honorable discharge in October 1968, achieving the rank of Sergeant. On June 22, 1969, Steve married Marlane “Gaye” Giles at Ebenezer United Methodist Church near Macy, and together they built a life filled with love and dedication. Steve’s passion was his work. A lifelong farmer, he tirelessly tended to his black Angus cattle, hogs, and grain fields, embodying the spirit of hard work and perseverance. Beyond the farm, he served his community as a school bus driver for North Miami School and worked as a semi-truck driver for D.R. Smith Trucking. His love for machinery was evident in his admiration for International Harvester equipment, often taking pride in parading his tractors and riding his Honda Goldwing trike. In his free time, Steve enjoyed traveling and deer hunting, embracing the outdoors with enthusiasm. A man of faith and service, he was a lifelong member of Ebenezer United Methodist Church, as well as a member of American Legion Post in Peru and Lincoln Masonic Lodge #523 in Macy. He is survived by his wife Gaye Wagner of Macy; son Nelson and wife Debra Lynn Wagner of Fletcher, North Carolina; daughter Tawnya and husband Carl Mason of Bargersville, Indiana; 8 Grandchildren; and 6 Great Grandchildren. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, son Stephen G. Wagner, his sister Martha I. Roberts, and his beloved dog Butter. A memorial service will take place at 12:00 noon, Saturday, June 7, 2025 at Hartzler Funeral Home 305 West Rochester Street Akron, Indiana. The funeral service can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/ng8G25Hpq_Y?feature=shared His interment will take place following the service in the Ebenezer Cemetery, Macy, Indiana with military honors performed by the Miami County Honor Guard. Memorial visitation will be held from 10 am to 12 pm, Saturday, June 7, 2025 at Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron, Indiana. Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to the American Legion Post of Peru.

Stephen Ray Wagner

July 27, 1946 - May 1, 2025