Jerry Ousley Wagner, 86 years, 3 months, 27 days old, passed peacefully on April 17, 2024, at his home with his wife, Lena and children by his side.
Jerry was born December 21, 1937, in Buckhart, MO to Philip and Grace (Ousley) Wagner and was the youngest of three children. He attended the Mtn. Grove High School.
On June 18, 1957, Jerry and Lena Belle Ray were united in marriage in Buckhart, MO. Together they were blessed with three children, Kellie, Terry, and Rhonda. He is quoted as saying, “his children were his pride and joy.”
Jerry was a Christian and strongly believed if it was in the Bible it was the Truth. He enjoyed working and always said, “Hard work never hurt anybody.”
He owned and operated with Lena and his children, the Dairy Queen in Ava for several years. He also owned a school bus route with the Ava school district for many years. Also, Jerry owned and operated the Wagner Hardwood Lumber in Ava.
He was on his backhoe working just four days before he went to be with Jesus.
He loved when he and “Mom” (as he lovingly referred to Lena) hooked up the RV and headed to a bluegrass festival. His favorite part was jamming with friends, playing his fiddle, and singing. He and Lena would entertain at music events and loved to go to square dances in Douglas County and other communities.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Johny; his sister, Sally Prock; and a grandson, Braxton Bell.
He is survived by his wife, Lena; his children; Kellie Wittorff and husband, Walt, Terry Wagner and wife, Lynn, and Rhonda Wagner Heath; 12 grandchildren, Brooke Henry, Laine Loftis, Heston Fish, Clair Crow, Dexter Fish, Andrea Shea, Ethan Wagner, Cole Wagner, Shae Stillings, Grace Degase, Jack Forrest, and Dade Forrest; 24 great grandchildren; many nieces; nephews; other relatives and numerous friends.
Memorial graveside services for Jerry will be Saturday, April 20, 2024, at 2:00 P.M. in the Ava Cemetery, Ava, MO. Officiating will be Pastor John Williams. In lieu of flowers family requests memorials to Gideon’s International. Services are being conducted by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, MO.
