William J. Wagner

William J. Wagner, aged 71, of New Castle, passed away on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at the St. Vincent Heart Center in Carmel, Indiana. Born on November 26, 1952, in Muncie, Indiana, he was the beloved son of the late Richard W. and Betty (Magnus) Wagner.

Bill proudly served his country in the United States Navy while assigned to the USS Frederick during the Vietnam War. A member of the VFW, he exemplified compassion and service. Being a faithful man, he was a long-time member of the Mt. Summit Christian Church and current member of The Bridge Community Church. Through this church, he volunteered his time tutoring children at Grissom Memorial Elementary School. Bill's passions included assisting others, spending cherished moments with family, friends, and pets, indulging in his love for fishing, remodeling, hiking, boating, swimming, and enjoying time at his house in Michigan. He and his wife Barbara enjoyed traveling many places and seeing the world together. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and joy.

Bill is survived by his wife of 38 years, Barbara (Malone) Wagner of New Castle; children, Cheryl Turner of Pompano Beach, FL and Tom Martin (Jeana Wagner) of Anderson; grandchildren, Miranda Martin (Emad Elbana) of Egypt, Madison Martin (Alec Jones) of New Castle, Dylan Martin (Wendy Abercrombie) of Rushville; great-grandsons, Omar and Mumin Elbana of Egypt and Embry Jones of New Castle; sisters, Joellen (Steve) Wagner of Pleasanton, CA and Dorothy (Phil) Garrison of Yorktown; nieces, Laura Morales of Freemont, CA and Nicole Martin of San Francisco; nephew, Ritchie Garrison of Indianapolis; grandnieces, Ava and Olivia Morales of Freemont, CA; brother and sister-in-law, Wayne and Mary Malone of New Castle.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents.

Services will be held at 11:00am Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. Burial will follow in South Mound Cemetery with military honors conducted by the American Legion/VFW and the US Navy. Visitation will be on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 from 4:00pm – 8:00pm at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be given to The Bridge Community Church, 1707 E. 26^th St. Muncie, IN 47302. You may express condolences or share memories of Bill at www.hinsey-brown.com.