Rex Wagner

(From Parker Mortuary)

On September 24, 2025, at the age of 82, Rex Lee Wagner departed this life to enter his eternal home in heaven to be reunited with his wife of 54 years. He was born in Onawa, Iowa on September 23,1943 to Charles F. Wagner and Iva (Rhodes) Wagner. He graduated from West Sioux High School in Hawarden, Iowa in 1963.

On July 19, 1964, he married the love of his life, Victoria Jane Workman. She preceded him in death. To that union came 3 daughters, Debbie (John) Gould of Carl Junction, MO, Becky (Jon) Carter of Bentonville, AR and Vicki Lynn Wagner, Carl Junction, MO. Rex is also survived by six grandchildren, Heather Corder, Jared Corder, Nathan Wagner (Winsley), Trent Carter (Jessica), Lexi Carter and Brooklynn Mahaffey (Adrian), along with 4 great grandchildren, Michael, Mireya Jane, Miley and Merritt Rose; two brothers Roger (Libby) Wagner of Scribner, NE and Mickey (Vicky) Wagner of D’Iberville, MS along with bonus family member Jasmine Thompson. Rex was also blessed with neighbors Kenny and April Walker who became like family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, Chuck Wagner and Ray Wagner and 2 sisters, Mildred Wagner and Doris (Wagner) Thurston.

Rex held several rewarding jobs throughout his career, but his passion was working for Joplin School district as a bus driver and maintaining Junge Stadium where the staff often called him Grumpy.

He was an avid sports enthusiast; he loved to play basketball and softball with family and church members. His basketball skills were impeccable. For many years, he never missed a chance to cheer on his beloved Joplin Eagles. If the St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals or Arkansas Razorbacks were playing, he was watching. He was also a big supporter of the local Joplin Outlaws.

He was a longtime member of LifePoint Pentecostal Church in Joplin where he served on the church board.

Arrangements are being made by Parker Mortuary. Visitation and Celebration of Life services will be held at LifePoint Pentecostal Church, 1700 S Prosperity Ave, in Joplin, MO on Friday October 3 with visitation from 2 pm to 3 pm with Celebration of Life following at 3 pm. Burial will be at Osborne Cemetery in Joplin, MO. Pastor Fred Oates will officiate. Pallbearers will be Jared Corder, Trent Carter, Nathan Wagner, Adrian Mahaffey, John Gould and Jon Carter. Honorary Pallbearers will be Mickey Wagner and Roger Wagner.

Memorial contributions in honor of Rex can be made to Joplin Eagles Booster Club.