Sept. 18, 1934 - Sept. 17, 2012
Gerald D. Wagner, 77, Hughesville, died Monday at his home.
He was born in Altoona, son of the late David E. and Della Mae (Shadle) Wagner. He and his wife, Patricia A. (Kilgus), celebrated 57 years of marriage on July 30, 2012.
Surviving are his wife; two sons: Robert E. of Shippensburg and William D. of Dillsburg; two daughters: Elizabeth A. Wagner of Hillsville, Va., and Martha A. Johnson of Painted Post, N.Y.; 10 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; three brothers: Charles R. of Lock Haven and Kenneth E. and Richard D., both of Altoona; and a sister, Shirley M. Coltabaugh of Altoona.
He was preceded in death by a son, John T.; and a sister, Catherine Smith.
Jerry graduated from Lycoming College, Drew University and Shippensburg University in 1973 with a degree in communications. He served as a United Methodist pastor for 58 years and was currently a member of the Susquehanna Conference. During his tenure, he served various churches throughout the state, including Elimsport, Montandon, Freeland Parish, Patton, McConnellsburg Charge, Shippensburg Christ, Avis Yoked Parish, Avis and Juniata Parish, and he retired in 1996. He continued ministering from 2004 until his retirement again in 2012 from Picture Rocks Parish.
Jerry enjoyed camping and sports, umpiring baseball and softball games for more than 40 years. An active Mason, he was past master of Muncy Lodge, grand chaplain of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania for more than 30 years, past high priest of Warrior Run Chapter and past commander of Baldwin II Commandery. He also was an officer of Adoniram Council, Susquehanna Council Allied Masonic Degrees and the Red Cross of Constantine. He was a former officer of Susquehanna Forest and Supreme Chaplain of Tall Cedars of Lebanon and the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Williamsport, as well as a life member of The Royal Order of Scotland.
Friends will be received from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28, 2012, at McCarty-Thomas Funeral Home, 557 E. Water St., Hughesville. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012, at Faith United Methodist Church, 700 Fairview Drive, Montoursville, the Revs. Larry Leland, Bruce Fisher, Beth Jones and Arlene Beechert officiating. A private burial will be held in Muncy Cemetery, the Rev. GayAnn Gearhart officiating.
The family will provide the flowers and suggests memorial contributions to the Muncy Lodge Scholarship Fund, c/o George Fraley, 95 First Ave., Muncy, PA 17756.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.mccartythomas.com.
