Richard Earl Wagner

Richard Earl Wagner, 87, of Huntsville passed away Monday. Richard was born in Center Brunswick, New York. Following a distinguished career in the US Navy, in 1964, he was relocated to Huntsville, AL with the love of his life, Barbara, and their two sons, Richard Jr. and Jeffrey. In Huntsville he continued his career with Boeing working on the Saturn V rocket program. He was especially proud of his contributions to the lunar rover project, culminating in his being named “Boeing’s Man of the Month” for June of 1969, the month before the United States landed on the moon. After his time at Boeing, Richard spent the rest of his career, until his retirement, at Goodyear Dunlop working as an electrician. He will be remembered for his ready smile, his genial disposition, his seemingly limitless patience, and his sense of humor. Richard was an avid craftsmen with a special affinity for wood carving. If he was not tinkering in his garage or with his wood carving club, he would likely be found spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He spent 40+ years telling stories or singing his rendition of “Oh Danny Boy” to each new member of the Wagner family sitting atop his lap, in need of a nap. Richard was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Huntsville, AL.

Remembering him with love are his wife of 65 years, Barbara Frances Wagner (née Luce), sisters Marge Stewart of New York, Barbara Woodworth of Massachusetts, brother George of New York, his son Jeffrey Francis Wagner (Anne), granddaughters Christina Wagner Messer (Charles), Dawn Wagner Messer (Tom), grandsons Christopher Scott Wagner (Jackie), Richard Keith Wagner (Courtney), and a seemingly ever growing number of great grandchildren.

Preceding him in death, are his siblings Louise Hunter, Bernard, Charles, Ronald, Carol Skarshinski, Paul and his son Richard Earl Wagner, Jr.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the American Heart Association or the American Lung Association. A memorial service will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Friday 8/20/2021 at 1pm. The family will be at the church one hour before to receive visitors. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.valhallafunerals.com for the Wagner family.