John “Bud” Wagner of Hermiston passed away in Hermiston on Aug. 29, 2018 at the age of 85.
He was born on July 8, 1933 in Ione to John and Delia Peebler Wagner.
Bud attended grade school in Ione and middle school in The Dalles, and graduated from Heppner High School in the class of 1951. He then attended Eastern Oregon University, where he played football in the first Shriners East-West Game. He then joined the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served for three years during the Korean War.
After his honorable discharge, Bud returned to La Grande, where he began his career with the Union Pacific Railroad. He served as a brakeman and later as a conductor for the railroad for 38 1/2 years, retiring in 1996. In 1974, he moved to Hermiston where he had resided since.
Bud was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Hermiston. He was a life member of the VFW Post #4750 and the American Legion Post #37 in Hermiston, where he was active on their honor guard team and in parades. He enjoyed working in his yard, gardening and woodworking.
Bud married Joyce Otis in Hermiston on June 9, 1976.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Joyce of Hermiston; daughter, Jeannine Hunt of Alaska; son, John R. Wagner of California; daughter, Trisha Hattery of Washington; stepsons, Tom and Rene Barnes; 13 grandchildren; and 23 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Robert, James, David and Gerald; and sisters, Barbara and Betty Ann.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2018 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1035 S.E. Ninth St., Hermiston.
A private interment will be in Willamette National Cemetery in Portland.
Family suggests memorial donations be made to Oregon Paralyzed Veterans or Homeless Veterans.
To leave an online condolence for the family, go to burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
My condolences to the Wagner family. My thoughts, prayers, and my heart goes out to you all. Ruby Johnson
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