OBITUARY Melvin Franklin Wagner, known to all as Mel, of Lonedell, MO departed this life at his home, surrounded by the love of his family, on Sunday, February 23, 2025, having reached the age of eighty-eight years, two months and twenty-one days. Mel was born in Lonedell, MO on December 2, 1936, son of Ernest Eugene Wagner and Nora Bell Wagner nee Evins. On January 18, 1958 he was united in marriage to Beverly Kay Boyd, known to all as Kay, and four sons came to bless this union. Mel is survived by his wife, Kay Wagner of Lonedell, MO; by his sons, Ernest Wagner and wife, Judy, of Lonedell, MO, Stanley Wagner and wife, Merlyn, of Lonedell, MO, Marc Wagner of Lonedell, MO and Wayne Wagner of Lonedell, MO; by one brother, Walter Wagner and wife, Earlyne, of Lonedll, MO; by one sister, Shirley Dickinson of Lonedell, MO; by his sister-in-law, Gloria Wendt and husband, Fred, of TX; by fourteen grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, with one on the way, nieces, nephews, great and great-great-nieces and nephews, one great-great-great-niece, cousins and many friends. Mel was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Nora Wagner; by his daughter-in-law, Laniece Wagner nee Ely; by three brothers, Gene Wagner, Forrest Wagner and infant Leroy Wagner; and by two sisters, Helen Reed and Sharon Wagner. Mel was a Christian and member of Oak Grove Baptist Church in Lonedell, MO. He was proud to have served his country in the United States Army, entering on November 1, 1955 and receiving his honorable discharge on October 31, 1957. During his working career he was employed by Shade Tree Service Company, Asplundh Tree Service and Johnmeyer Construction. Mel went on to owning and operating Mel Wagner & Sons, Wagners Store and BK Bus Service. He was very civic minded and was a member of VFW Post 2482, American Legion Post 347, both in St. Clair, MO and St. Clair Elks Lodge 2651. Mel was a past president and member of St. Clair Kiwanis, served two terms on Lonedell R-14 School Board and Khoury League president and manager of his four sons' teams. Mel enjoyed playing golf, playing pinocle, listening to music and traveling. In his younger years he loved playing softball. What meant most to him was time spent with family. The love they shared and many precious memories they created will be cherished by them all forever. A kind and loving father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, great, great-great and great-great-great-uncle, cousin and treasured friend, he will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved him. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, March 1, 2025 at Russell Colonial Funeral Home in St. Clair, MO with Pastor John Pursley officiating. Interment with full military honors will be in Oak Grove Cemetery in Lonedell, MO. Memorials may be made to Lonedell R-14 Scholarship Fund.