Obituary

Eugene K. “Gene” Wagoner, 90, of Harrisburg, PA, formerly of South Beaver Twp., passed away on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 in the comfort of his son’s home in Harrisburg.

Born July 30, 1932 in West Mayfield, PA, he was the son of the late George Leroy and Sarah Augusta (Woodward) Wagoner.  Gene graduated first in his class from Beaver Falls High School in 1950 and was a member of the National Honor Society.  He was employed as a steelworker at Babcock & Wilcox Steel for 36 years until his retirement.  During his 36 year career at Babcock and Wilcox he missed only two days of work.  Gene took a break in his time from Babcock and Wilcox to serve in the United States Navy from which he was honorably discharged prior to returning to Babcock and Wilcox. He was a member of the Chippewa United Methodist Church, where he was a former trustee, and was a faithful member of the Joy Sunday School Class. Prior to attending Chippewa United Methodist Church, Gene was a member of Central United Methodist Church and served as the President of The Board.  Gene was also a former member of the Chippewa Grange for 50 years.

During his young adult life Gene was actively involved in youth athletics in West Mayfield.  In 1953 Gene served as the manager of the West Mayfield baseball team that won the 1953 City League Championship.  He was also an assistant coach of the Midget football team that won the Beaver County Championship in 1954.

After retirement, Gene and Eleanor spent 18 years wintering in Bonita Spring Florida where they enjoyed bocci, bingo, and watching senior league softball games. Gene’s favorite activity was to enjoy romantic dances at the ballroom with the love of his life Eleanor.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Florence Eleanor (Barnhart) Wagoner in 2018 to whom he was happily married for 59 wonderful years. He was preceded in death by four brothers and their wives, Clyde (Jean Funk), Leroy, George (Martha Simpson) and Donald (Doreen Doerr) Wagoner.  He is grateful for his sister-in-law Doreen Wagoner for introducing him to his bride to be Eleanor Wagoner.

He is survived by five children, Susan (David) Weber of Harmony, PA, Edward (Tami) Wagoner of Harrisburg,  Robert (Debbie) Wagoner of Essex Junction, VT;, Nancy (William) Gilkey of North Fayette, PA and Julie (Rodney) Warrenfeltz of Jacksonville, FL; 11 grandchildren, Sean (Molly) Wagoner, Sarah (Derek) Mauldin, Michael Weber, Christopher (Julie) Wagoner, Amy (Christian) Immen, Elizabeth Weber, Azure Warrenfeltz, Indigo Warrenfeltz, Ally Gilkey, Amanda Gilkey and Raymond Warrenfeltz;  and 5 great-grandchildren, Elsa, Mabel, and Primrose Wagoner, Laureli and Charli Mauldin and baby girl Wagoner due in April. (Player to be named later).

Friends will be received on Sunday, February 26th from 1PM to 5PM in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Rd., Chippewa Twp., www.gabauerfamilyfuneralhomes.com.  On Monday, Gene will lie in state at the Chippewa United Methodist Church from 10:00 am until the time of services at 11:00AM.  Pastor Allen Brooks will officiate.

Interment will take place in Grandview Cemetery where members of Beaver County Special Unit will meet at 11:50AM to perform full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Gene’s name may be directed to the Chippewa United Methodist Church, 2545 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.