Roger Michael Wagner
June 8, 1951 - September 2, 2021
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Roger Michael Wagner, 70, of Taylor Mill, KY departed us today, September 2, 2021 and is now on his way to a joyous reunification in Heaven with his Lord and savior. A Latonia native, Roger graduated from Holy Cross in 1969 before faithfully serving his country in Vietnam. He married Sandra Hammons in 1976 to start a loving family bringing forth Charity and her baby brother Joshua who they raised in Taylor Mill and sent to Scott High School. Roger's service in the armed forces was only his opening act in a lifetime of service to his family, church, and country. He was a leader at Faith Baptist Church in Latonia with an unsurpassed knowledge of scripture and an impossibly soulful voice that captivated anyone fortunate enough to hear him sing the Gospel hymns. A decorated but disabled veteran himself, Roger devoted many years of his life to the national Disabled American Veterans organization (headquartered in Cold Spring) spending innumerable hours overcoming his own physical limitations to help his brothers at the DAV. And he was undoubtedly one of the most popular people - a true rock star - at the Veterans Administration hospital on Pill Hill in Clifton. He probably knew more people than any doctor or administrator working there. Roger was insanely talented. Not only could he sing, but he played the piano and guitar, fix anything on a car or motorcycle, and was an amateur tanner, creating leather belts, wallets, and jewelry that would rival anything found in retail. Endlessly amused that his daughter married a "JFK," he showered his son-in-law John F. Kirtley, II with President Kennedy memorabilia every Christmas and birthday for more than 20 years. His passion for giving knowing no limits, he brought Christmas presents on Christmas morning that put Santa Claus to shame so much so that his family would have to cut short their own festivities to "clear the runway" for Papa Roger to airdrop his massive bounty on Cameron, Georgi, and Blake. His newest grandchild, Josh's and daughter-in-law Katie's son Nolan, filled him with so much joy that Roger would blush. Roger's body posed many challenges, including a transplanted kidney provided by his brother Joseph, but it never touched or impacted his loving soul, kindness, or sense of humor. He embodied all that is to be a Christian. To accept and overcome the undeniable frailty of the human condition through faith, charity, conviction, and humility. Roger is preceded in death by his parents: Joseph and Helen Wagner and brother: Jim Morgan. He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years: Sandra Wagner; father-in-law: George Hammons; siblings: Mary Noble, Maureen Lawrence, Margaret Riley, Joe C. Wagner, Steven Wagner and Holly Maurus; children: Charity (John) Kirtley and Joshua (Katie) Wagner and his four grandchildren: Georgi, Cameron, Blake and Nolan; many nieces and nephews; countless friends and colleagues and Matthew Love. He is in the Lord's arms now and that gives us comfort in this sad time. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 from 11:30 AM until the Funeral Liturgy at 1:00 PM at Holy Cross Church, 3612 Church Street, Covington (Latonia), KY 41015. Interment with an Honor Guard Service will follow at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens, Taylor Mill. Memorials are suggested to the D.A.V. at dav.org. Connley Brothers Funeral Home, 11 East Southern Avenue, Latonia, KY is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed on Facebook or at www.connleybrothersfuneralhome.com
Condolences
Cheryl Niehues - Sep 7, 2021
Josh, so sorry for your loss. It is so hard to lose a parent. Your Dad will be present with you always, through your memories and in your dreams. In little everyday things. I so wanted to be at his funeral, however I have a conflict with a two month awaited appointment. I hope you understand. Your post on Facebook was very touching. Love and condolences from Joker and I.
April Houze - Sep 5, 2021
My prayers go out to the family. He was a great man I have so many fun childhood memories. He was so dearly loved and will be so missed!!
Dee A Daniels - Sep 4, 2021
We at Honor Flight Tri-State send our condolences for your loss. Roger completed his final mission. We honor all our deceased veterans on each flight, especially those who were not able to go on their Honor Flight to be honored for their sacrifice and service to our country. The poem below is recited at every morning ceremony. With each passing of our beloved veterans, a little piece of our heart goes with them. It is the Veteran, not the preacher Who has given us the freedom of religion. It is the Veteran, not the reporter Who has given us the freedom of the press. It is the veteran, not the poet Who has given us the Freedom of speech. It is the Veteran, not the campus organizer, Who has given us the freedom to assemble here today. It is the veteran, not the politician Who has given us the right to vote It is the veteran, who salutes the flag Who serves beneath the flag And whose coffin is draped with the flag We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude Our nation will remain the land of the free only as long as it is the home of the brave. We salute the defenders of our freedom… The Army Soldiers, the US Army Air Corps Airman, the US Air Force, The Marines, and Coast Guard Sailors. They have earned us the right to assemble here today and they continue to serve our country around the world today – so we can remain the best place on earth. May God bless Roger for his service to our country and wrap His loving arms around him and always keep him safe. Author unknown
Melissa & Tim Kirtley - Sep 4, 2021
Peace to all who knew & loved Roger; may he rest In peace.
Nicole - Sep 4, 2021
I am so very sorry for your loss. Roger was such a joy to be around. I know you will miss him fiercely, but know you will see him again too! Hugs, thoughts and prayers to you all. Love, Nicole
Linda Duvall - Sep 3, 2021
So sorry to hear of Roger passing over Jordan. You all will miss him greatly. He was one of the "good men" of the earth" that is mentioned in the Scriptures. Nancy kept up with him and would tell us what was said about some of his sicknesses on FB. When Bro. Jim was his Pastor at Faith Baptist, Roger was such a blessing to us.Just "Lean on Jesus"Sandra, Charity, Josh and all the rest of Roger's family and friends. We Know that you all will miss him but I know that you are glad that he is with the Savior and out of pain. Love Always, Linda, your former Pastor's wife.
Toni Sheffer - Sep 2, 2021
Sandra, Charity & Josh, My heart hurts for you today but is thankful that you know Roger is safe and happy with no more worries, no more tears, and is safe in God’s arms. Love & prayers, Toni
Johnathon Bush - Sep 2, 2021
Our prayers are with Roger's dear family at this time. We are thankful that the Lord saw fit to save the soul of this wonderful man and he may now enjoy the presence of the wonderful Savior that he served for so many years. The Bush family is grateful to have known Roger and his faithful wife. May God grant peace to all who are now grieving.
