Tomas Alan Wagner

Tomas “Tom” Alan Wagner, 70, of Land O’ Lakes, Florida passed away suddenly on December 28th while visiting his daughter and family in Tallahassee. Tom was born in Davenport, Iowa on February 6, 1944 and was the youngest of three children to Richard and Naomi Wagner. He had an older sister, Joanne, who now lives in Wichita, Kansas; and an older brother, Jerry, who now lives in Midland, Texas.

Growing up in Davenport, Tom enjoyed a very active childhood in a loving family. He played football and basketball at Davenport West High School, where he graduated in 1962. Turning down offers to continue athletics at a small college, he decided instead to attend the University of Iowa with his high school sweetheart, Patricia “Pat” (Beckford) Wagner.

Tom and Pat were married on December 19, 1965 and spent the next 49 years together. After college, the newlyweds traveled to Florida to find work, which they did in Tampa, Florida. While in Tampa, Tom accepted an offer from his brother to work in Denver, Colorado. Tom and Pat lived in Denver for two years, where Tom developed a love for the mountains and snow-skiing, and where their first child, Kimberly “Kim” was born on October 20, 1970.

The young family moved back to Tampa in 1972, and Tom entered a career in pool sales while Pat continued her profession as a teacher, which lasted for 37 years in the Tampa area. Later that year, their youngest child, Michelle “Shelly” was born on October 21, 1972.

Tom was significantly involved in his daughters’ childhoods. He coached their softball teams and volunteered his time with their swim teams and the Gaither High School booster club.

In adulthood, Tom continued his love for athletics, playing recreational basketball, softball, racquetball and bowling, and developing numerous friendships in those endeavors. He was an avid golfer and snow-skier, and enjoyed taking his family on ski vacations to Colorado.

Another passion for Tom was cooking. He was comfortable in the kitchen and over the grill, and enjoyed preparing meals for his family, especially on holidays.

Although Tom was a lifelong Iowa Hawkeye fan, he developed a love for the Florida State Seminoles after sending both of his daughters to that University, and supporting them through graduation.

With open arms, Tom and Pat welcomed two son-in-laws to their family in 1996. Those marriages, which continue, led to four grandchildren who were cherished by their Grandpa . . . and that feeling was mutual. Though he was slowed later in life by knee and hip surgeries, he enjoyed attending volleyball matches (in a gym and on the beach), baseball, football and basketball games, and cheerleading events to support his grandchildren.

Tom was a wonderful son and brother, husband and father, and grandfather. He was dearly loved, and will be missed by many.

Tom was preceded in death by his father, Richard Wagner, and his mother, Naomi (Bruegge) Wagner. He is survived by his wife, Patricia “Pat” (Beckford) Wagner; his two daughters, Kim (Andrew) Brady, Tallahassee and Shelly (Kevin) Espy, Odessa; four grandchildren, Olivia Brady, Nick Brady, Devyn Espy, and Madison Espy; his brother, Jerry Wagner, Texas; his sister, Joanne (Alex) Storrie, Kansas; a sister-in-law, Judy (Gary) Haines, Virginia; a brother-in-law, Bill (Cherry) Beckford, North Carolina and St. Pete; and a number of nieces, nephews, and wonderful friends.

An open house to celebrate Tom’s life will be held from 2:00 – 6:00 on the afternoon of January 31, 2015 at the Espy house, located at 17050 Crawley Road in Odessa, Florida. Bring your fun stories and memories with Tom to share.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to the Grandpa Wags scholarship fund at the Tampa Titans Volleyball Club. More information is available at www.tampatitansvolleyball.com.