Charles Michael Wagner

Chuck was born and raised in Visalia; he attended Visalia High School where he developed his affinity for cars and camaraderie via hot rods. A charter member of the Visalia Vapor Trailers he was a lifelong donor to their charitable endeavors. He helped to promote legal drag racing through the club at the Visalia airstrip in the 1950’s.

Chuck had a sharp sense of humor and always had a sardonic barb at the ready. A student of human behavior, he tailored his wit and wisdom towards the people that he had his keen and immediate focus on.

As Chuck and his wife, Bunny had no children of their own… his sincere mentorship flowed through his nephews, Brian Hill, Bruce Hill, Mike Lamb, Eric Charlson, and “adopted niece” Victoria Espana.

Mr. Wagner worked his entire career in education. 30 plus years within Fresno Unified School District. The impetus of his career was as a popular art teacher at Fresno High School and culminated as a counselor for Hamilton middle school. Both as teacher and counselor, Chuck showed an incredible empathy towards students with his direct, disarming humor style that often enhanced his mentorship role.

He started his career student teaching in the Bay Area interacting with disabled students. A time in his career that he truly relished saying, “Those students never said no. They were always willing to try!”

Chuck studied art at the California College of Arts and Crafts in Berkeley and showed an avid passion for painting and sculpture all his life. He volunteered and donated regularly to the Fresno Art Center.

He was preceded in passing by his wife of 52 years, Bernadene “Bunny” in 2021.

We will be honoring Chuck’s request that a memorial service not be held. In lieu of a service, if you wish to pay tribute to his legacy, please donate to the Central California Food Bank in Chuck’s name. https://ccfoodbank.org/donate/