Melvin Gregory Wagner Jr., age 90, went home to the Lord on January 3, 2019, in Yakima, WA. Mel was born on October 8, 1928, in Elk River, Idaho, to Melvin Glen Wagner and Myrtle E. Wagner. He was the youngest of four siblings; Elaine, Darlene, and June, and was the only son. The family moved to the Yakima Valley in the early 1930s and in 1937, Mel’s father, Melvin Glen, started M. G. Wagner Roofing Company. Mel graduated from what was then Yakima Senior High School in 1946 and spent one year at Yakima Valley Community College prior to joining the National Guard in 1950. Mel served as an Army Officer during the Korean War and was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska. He married Loretta June Davis on April 1, 1951 and the pair had two children, Deborah and Scott. After starting to work in the family roofing company as a teenager, Mel continued to work there before taking charge of the business in 1961.
Mel was the president, chairman, or executive director of nearly every community board, council, and organization in the Yakima Valley. He joined the Yakima Downtown Rotary in 1962 and served as Rotary President from 1973 to 1974. Mel was involved in the Yakima Greenway, Wellness House, KYVE TV, The Salvation Army, Camp Primetime, the Yakima Chamber of Commerce, countless United Way campaigns, the Union Gospel Mission, Yakima School Board, the Yakima Centennial committee, and many, many others. Mel was awarded the Ted Robertson Community Service Award in 1993 and was named the Yakima Herald-Republic “Person of the Year” in 1997 for recognition for his years of service as well as his efforts as Chief Executive Officer for the Yakima River Watershed Council.
Mel thoroughly enjoyed boating and was a member of the Yakima Boat Club. He played City Youth basketball (having never committed a personal foul that he could remember) and also coached Yakima Youth basketball as well as YMCA Church Rec League. Mel spent many hours at the Yakima Racquetball Club, dominating the racquetball court (his own words) and often exulting in beating those younger than he, and reminding them often of that fact.
Mel’s Christian faith was vital to him. He taught Sunday school at First Presbyterian Church, where he was a member and church elder for over 60 years, heading up many church events and being chairman of a major remodeling campaign in the 1980s. He was also very active in Bible Study Fellowship and was especially loved and cared for by friends in that group right up until his death.
Mel was very supportive of and attended many family events. He went to many fastpitch games and an incredible amount of choral concerts directed by his daughter, Deb. He remains to this day the favorite chaperone of many Davis HS male choir members who always got to drive the latest brand new car Mel owned. Mel adored his granddaughter, Madison, and spent many hours at Featherland Ranch, watching her ride her horses in competition.
Mel was preceded in death by his wife Loretta and sister Darlene. Mel is survived by his sisters June and Elaine; daughter Deborah Wagner; son Scott (Joy) Wagner; granddaughter Madison Wagner; and his dear friend, Juanita Wallace. There are also numerous nieces and nephews who will definitely miss their Uncle Mel.
A memorial service in celebration of Mel’s life will be held on Thursday, January 10, at 2:00 pm, at Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church (formerly First Presbyterian), with a reception to follow at the church.
