March 6, 1934 - February 25, 2021
The good Lord said; Hey Ray, It’s time to come home; it’s dinner time! Ray David Wagler, born March 6, 1934, in Oregon City, OR., passed away peacefully at his home in Willamina on February 25, 2021.
He was met at the Lord’s dinner table by his parents, Michael and Cora (Evers) Wagler; brothers Paul, Menno, John; and sisters Lena, Mable, and Ruth Yoder. His youngest sister, Ada Stout, resides in Canby, OR.
Ray was dearly loved and will be missed by his loving wife of 67 years, Carmen (Kepford) Wagler, and his children, Evelyn Shenk (Glen), Carol Wagler, Michael Wagler (Chris), Nancy Surface (Terry); six grandchildren; and five great grand boys.
Growing up, Ray lived in several towns in the Willamette Valley until they settled down on a farm on Gold Creek Road in Willamina. He attended Gold Creek Grade School and graduated from Willamina High School in 1952.
He married Carmen in July of 1953. They resided in the Willamina and Grand Ronde area all of their married life.
Ray worked hard all his life as a timber faller, choker-setter, penitentiary guard, plywood worker, highway paving crew. He was a truck driver who hauled steel, logs, poles, lumber, and chips until he retired from Eddy Trucking in Willamina at age 65.
Ray had a strong faith in the Lord. He enjoyed going to church, social gatherings, sing-a-longs, and potlucks. He spent time cutting wood for the food bank, raising pigs and cattle, and logging his own trees.
Ray was always there to help his neighbors with whatever he could, whether lending a hand, making a donation, or offering up one of his quick-witted antidotes. He made many friends throughout his travels, told great stories, and shared his wisdom with his children and grandchildren.
He loved traveling with Carmen to visit his daughter Evelyn in Canada and Nancy in Europe. Ray and Carmen were a special couple who opened their home to many events where they shared great times and lots of fun with family and friends.
After Ray retired, he loved spending time with his family, going around to see all his friends, and stopping at the coffee shop, especially at the one where he could see his favorite waitress, Carmen.
He will always be remembered as the kind-hearted man in bibs with a red felt hat, or to some as mayor of Fort Hill, or the poorest man in Polk County…And for those who knew him as the banker - his final check out was on payday!
No services are planned at this time.
