Wesley C. Wagner, age 79, of Waldron, Arkansas, passed from this life on March 29, 2026, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born December 13, 1946, in Waldron, Arkansas, to Bud and Tennie (Phillips) Wagner.
As a young man, Wesley enjoyed life in Columbus, Ohio, where he loved being behind the wheel of a fast car, traveling, and attending concerts. As the years went on, he returned home to Arkansas, where he built a life he was proud of through his work in concrete. Wesley dedicated over 30 years to his craft, leading jobs and earning the respect of those he worked alongside.
In his free time, Wesley could almost always be found on Saturdays browsing yard sales and auctions, searching for antiques or baseball cards to add to his extensive collection. One of his favorite places to be was deer camp, where he enjoyed the outdoors and fellowship. Above all else, Wesley was a devoted family man who found his greatest joy in spending time with those he loved.
He is survived by his son, Rodney Wagner of Columbus, Ohio; and his grandchildren: Ashley Wagner of Florida, Miranda Wagner of Columbus, Ohio, Brandon Perales of Columbus, Ohio, Charisma Estep of Columbus, Ohio, Amanda Holder and husband Tucker of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Elizabeth Jones and husband Mike of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Jared Wagner of Rudy, Arkansas, and Christina Parsons and husband Andrew of Waldron, Arkansas. He is also survived by his brother, Billy Wagner and wife Carolyn of Alexander, Arkansas, along with many great-grandchildren whom he loved dearly.
Wesley was preceded in death by his parents, Bud and Tennie Wagner; his siblings, JB Wagner, Dorothy Wagner Bowles, Shirley Slagle, DeWayne Wagner, Phylis Lane, Ronnie Wagner, and Wayland Wagner; his son, Wesley Craig Wagner; and his grandsons, Wesley Craig Wagner II and Devin Wagner.
Wesley’s memorial celebration of life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, April 6, 2026, at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas.
Wesley will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, but his memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.
Arrangements and cremation are being entrusted to Heritage Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory.
