Donald Wagner

In the early morning hours of Sunday, May 15, 2022, a bright and sparkling ray of light ascended to the heavens, as Donald E. “Don” Wagner’s spirit set forth to meet his beloved Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Well known, by so many, for his cheerful disposition and wonderfully contagious positive outlook, Don will be sorely missed, by all who drew strength and encouragement just meeting and “doing” life with him. As family and friends, we thank God for all of the years that he spent gracing the planet; for his high level of integrity and his strong work ethic which each one of us benefitted from.  We will look forward to spending eternity with him someday, as we each make our own journey, one by one to meet the Lord.  

Don was born, in Erie, PA, on October 20, 1940. He grew up in Millcreek, graduating from McDowell High School in 1958 and then Allegheny College in 1962, with dual degrees in business and art. He spent 4 ½ years as a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force, where he met his wife, Karen on Cape Cod in Massachusetts. Don resigned his commission in 1967 at the rank of Captain and returned to Erie to be a part of his father’s well-known insurance agency, S. A. Wagner Agency, Inc., spending the last many years at the helm as President and CEO.

Don was extremely active in the community he loved, often behind the scenes.  He served on the Board of the Erie Art Center, and was a long-time member of the Presque Isle Advisory Committee.   Because of his love for the Park, he worked with the trees and plantings along the Presque Isle Boulevard.  Most notably, when the State defunded the lighting on the beautiful Perry Monument at Misery Bay on Presque Isle years ago, Don spear-headed a small group of local businessmen to replace the old expensive lighting and to fund year-around lighting, for the first time ever. Don funded and did maintenance on the light fixtures and timers with almost no public recognition for some 40 years, until the state took it back over after the current LED lighting system was installed.  Don also faithfully served in leadership in two local churches, the former Sarah Hearn Presbyterian Church and his current home,  Grace Fellowship International Church, downtown Erie, lending his considerable building and remodeling skills, among other talents there, and to family and many friends.

Don was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Sam and Marion Wagner and precious aunt, Peg Rouyer; his sister, Edith Wagner; brother, Robert “Bob” Wagner; and infant nephew, Tommy Wagner.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Karen Jube Wagner; brother, William “Bill” Wagner; his loving 98-year-old mother-in-law, Jeanne Jube; his sister-in-law, Claudia Jube Kellogg and husband, David; brother-in-law, Ronald Jube and wife, Penny; and MANY nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews!  Among “family” are two important God-Daughters, Lisa Wheeler and Holly Brooks, both vitally important to Don, in this last season!

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent in his honor, to Grace Fellowship International Church, 123 West 10^th Street, Erie, PA 16501, or to a closely-held charity of your choice.

A Memorial Celebration of Life service at Grace Fellowship Church will be Sunday afternoon, June 5, 2022, at 3:00 PM.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Burton Quinn Scott Cremation & Funeral Services Inc. Downtown, 602 W. 10^th St, Erie 16502.

Send condolences to www.BurtonQuinnScott.com