Ricky Lewis Wagner

CSM (Ret.) Ricky Lewis "Rick" Wagner, 64 of Tulsa passed away May 6, 2016 after a valiant fight against cancer.

Rick was born in Southgate, California on February 8, 1952. At the age of four he and his parents, Lewis "Buck" Wagner and Arabella "Bell" Wagner moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he remained a life long resident. Rick graduated from Catoosa High School in 1970 and was drafted into the US Army in 1972.

On August 20, 1976 Rick married Anita Robertson Wagner at First Baptist Church in Catoosa, Oklahoma. Rick and Anita had almost forty years together and enjoyed every minute of their partnership. Their enduring love is a once in a lifetime experience that inspires everyone around them.

Rick graduated from Claremore Junior College in 1979 and from Langston University in 1996. In the interim, he additionally excelled in his military career. A career soldier, he held leadership positions of increased responsibilities including: squad leader, section NCOIC, platoon sergeant, Drill sergeant, Senior Drill sergeant, First Sergeant and Command Sergeant Major. His was a recipient of The Legion of Merit, a member of the United States Army Field Artillery Association's Honorable Order of Saint Barbara, and was decorated with numerous additional military honors and awards.

Rick led an illustrious military career of 40 years but he was most proud of his family and children. He is survived by his wife of almost 40 years, Anita Wagner, daughter, Tamara Powell and husband, Cory; son, Neil Wagner and wife, Ashley. He leaves behind five grandchildren: Ivey, Isabel, Carson, Farris and Athena.

Rick's mission in life was to inform, inspire and spread the word of God. He will be missed by all but this is truly the changing of the guard. He would want the torch to be passed and have others make their mark in the world as he did.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Rick's name to the Fisher House, donate.fisherhouse.org. and/or The Gary Sinise Foundation, garysinisefoundation.org.

A memorial service will be held 10:00 AM, Friday, May 13, 2016 at the Schaudt-Teel Funeral Service in Tulsa, Oklahoma. www.tulsafuneral.com.