Edgar Nicholas Wagner, age 90, passed away on August 4, 2026. He was born on April 13, 1936, on the farm near Tipton, Kansas, to Bernard and Frances (Thomas) Wagner.
Edgar was raised on the farm near Tipton, Kansas, where he learned the values of hard work and faith at an early age. It was there that he developed a lifelong love of farming that remained with him throughout his life. He attended local schools in Cawker City, Kansas, and graduated with the Class of 1955.As a young man, Edgar traveled to Muleshoe, Texas, where he worked on a farm during the wheat harvest. The experience strengthened the work ethic and determination that would remain with him throughout his life. After returning to Kansas, he worked for E.C. Riley and later for Richardson Manufacturing. He also hauled feed before eventually serving as the Grain Superintendent for Farmway Co-op in Cawker City, Kansas, where he faithfully dedicated 25 years of service. Farming was more than a career to Edgar-it was his passion and a way of life that he cherished until the very end.
Edgar proudly served his country in the United States Army from Dec 4 1958 to Dec 2 1960. Following his active-duty service, he faithfully served 25 years in the Kansas Army National Guard. He carried a deep sense of patriotism, honor, and commitment to service throughout his life.
On September 23, 1961, Edgar was united in marriage to Joan (Rugg) Wagner. Together they built a home founded on faith, love, and devotion to one another. Their marriage was blessed with four children: Dennis Wagner, Rosemary Wagner, Nick Wagner, and Leah Debesis
.Edgar had a gift for fixing just about anything. He especially enjoyed repairing lawnmowers, restoring older tractors, and building birdhouses. He also enjoyed collecting caps and belt buckles, each reminding him of places, people, and memories throughout his life.
Music brought Edgar great joy. He loved playing his harmonicas and accordion, often filling the room with music that family and friends enjoyed.One of Edgar's favorite pastimes was playing pitch. He was known as a sly card player who usually found a way to win, all while sharing plenty of laughs with those around the table.
Edgar was a faithful member of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Cawker City, Kansas. His Catholic faith was the foundation of his life and guided the way he lived each day. He was also a proud member of the Knights of Columbus in Cawker City, where he attained the honor of Fourth Degree Knight. His faith, humility, and commitment to service were evident in the way he lived each day.
Above all else, Edgar loved his family. Beginning on April 16, 2022, he looked forward to family Zoom gatherings every three months, cherishing the opportunity to stay connected with his siblings, children, grandchildren, and extended family. Those visits became some of his most treasured moments.
Everyone who knew Edgar will remember his bright smile and his signature one-finger wave, a simple gesture that reflected his warm and welcoming spirit. Whether he was working on the farm, fixing equipment, playing music, enjoying a game of pitch, or spending time with family, Edgar lived a life centered on faith, service, hard work, and love.
He is survived by his children, Rosemary Wagner of Hutchinson, Kansas, Nick (Tami) Wagner of Tipton, Kansas, and Leah Debesis of Hutchinson, Kansas; grandchildren, Edward Harry (Tabatha) Debesis Jr. of Fort Riley, Kansas, Erica (Braden) Pelischek of Hutchinson, Kansas, Cyntila Nixon of Wichita, Kansas, and Steven Wagner; and great-grandchildren, Kinley Debesis, Noah Debesis, and Camelo Nixon.
He is also survived by his siblings, Betty (Jim) Lohkamp of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Mary Frances McClain of Pleasant Valley, Missouri, Alfred Wagner of Wichita, Kansas, and Ralph (Susan) Wagner of Gladstone, Missouri; brother-in-law, Steve Rugg of Beloit, Kansas; and many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
Though he will be deeply missed, his legacy of faith, hard work, humility, and love will continue through the generations that follow."I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."- 2 Timothy 4:7
Funeral services will be at 10 AM Monday, August 10 at the Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Cawker City. Visitation will be from 4-6 PM Sunday, followed by a rosary service at 6 PM at the Church. Memorials may be given to the Cawker City Senior Center.
The Wagner family extends their heartfelt gratitude for the many prayers, acts of kindness, and expressions of sympathy shown during this difficult time.