Matt was the only child of Jim and Nancy Wagner of Grandview, Missouri. He attended school in Grandview until his Junior year, when he transferred to Odessa High School in Odessa, Missouri, class of 1995. During his school years, he enjoyed activities with Boy Scouts and achieved his Eagle Scout Award in 1994. After high school he attended Central Missouri State University, where he acquired a Bachelor in Business Administration, and a wife, Victoria.
After college Matt and Victoria moved to the Lee’s Summit area, where he worked for a time at O’Reilly Auto Parts. He began his career at UMB as a financial analyst in 2005. He achieved a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Baker University in 2015. Together Matt and Victoria had three sons, Victor, David, and Josh.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ray and Florence Higgins of Kansas City, Missouri, and his father, Detective James Wagner of Grandview Missouri.
Matt is survived by his mom Nancy Pater and step-dad Jim Pater of Bates City, Missouri; two half brothers, Adam and Andrew Wagner of Belton, Missouri, his step-sister Larissa Barnett of Grandview, Missouri, his step-brother Jamie Pater of Springhill, Kansas and his step-sister Crystal Davis of Lenexa, Kansas; his ex-wife Victoria Smith and three sons, Victor, David, and Josh, all of Lee’s Summit, Missouri. He will be missed by his extensive church family.
Matt accepted Jesus as his personal Savior in college and was baptized as a public profession of faith at First Baptist Warrensburg on March 5th, 2000. When he transferred to First Baptist Raytown (now Connection Point Church) in spring of 2004 he was delighted to see a full orchestra. He raced down the aisle and committed his trumpet to Larry, the orchestra director and they quickly became friends. He has carried the title of Orchestra President for over a decade, a position he took very seriously. He loved playing in the orchestra, especially for Pageant and Freedom Celebration. He also volunteered in props with the Lee’s Summit North High School marching band for two years alongside his son, Victor, who followed in Dad’s footsteps to play trumpet.
Matt loved camping, boating, working on handyman chores around the home, working on cars, and grilling. He also loved kids and dogs. He was devoted to God and was continually growing in his Christian walk.
Matt will be greatly missed as a son, husband, dad, son-in-law, musician, brother in Christ and friend.
Services will be held at Connection Point Church, 10500 East 350 Highway, Raytown, Missouri 64138, Tuesday, April 23rd, 2019 at 6:00pm in the Atrium. Visitation will precede from 4:00-6:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Matt Wagner Memorial Orchestra Scholarship Fund. Checks can be made out to Connection Point Church with Orchestra Scholarship Fund in the memo field.
