Eugene Leedale Wagner, age 78, passed away on April 30, 2014 at the Ness County Hospital, Ness City, Kansas.  He was born the son of Edwin and Mabel Hinkel Wagner on March 10, 1936 on the family farm 11 miles South-East of Ness City.

From first through eighth grades Gene attended Bells-Letters country school which was about three miles South-East of his home. In 1950, Gene went to Ness City High School and graduated in 1954.  During his junior and senior years he harvested wheat in Oklahoma.  After graduation he went to work for Durfee Implement Company in Ness City.  In September 1955, Gene went to school at Fort Hays State University for one year.  After this he worked for two years with Cooper Dry Goods and then the United States Army called him into service.

Gene was first stationed in Fort Carson, Colorado and after a year he was sent to Frankfurt, Germany for another year.  Following the Army he returned to Cooper Dry Goods, then went to work for Siebert Sand Co., Gambles, Rod Borger Construction and finally found a career with The Right Coop Association where he retired after 22 years of dedicated work.

Gene is well known for his work as a bicycle repairman, Gene's Hobby Shop, and all around handyman.  Gene was a member of the American Legion Frank Stull Post 152 and Our Redeemer Lutheran Church both of Ness City.

On January 6, 1962 he married Helen Kraft in Ness City, Kansas where they began their family.  He is survive by his wife, of the home;  three sons, Mark and his fiance Michelle Fisher, The Woodlands, TX, Darin and Kayla Wagner, Prosper, TX, and Corey and Kelly Wagner, Whitesboro, TX; one daughter, Kimberly and Dan Smith, Ness City; two brothers, Dwight Wagner, Larned, KS and Wilbert Wagner, Dighton, KS; and seven grandchildren:  Brandyn, Chandler, and Jazlyn Wagner, Morgan and Kaydan Smith, Addison Wagner and Kiley Wagner.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Rhonda Wagner and his sister, Donna Dossett.

Funeral service will be on Monday, May 5, 2014, 2:00 P.M. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City with burial following in the Ness City Cemetery.  Friends may call on Sunday from 10:00 A.M. until 9:00 P.M. with the family present from 6-8 P.M.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Gene Wagner Funeral Fund.

Words of sympathy and support may be left for the family by clicking on the Sign Guest Book link above.