Clarence B. Wagner, 87, of Russell, Kansas, died on Friday, December 16, 2011, at the Salina Regional Health Center in Salina, Kansas.

Clarence was born on Friday, February 15, 1924 in Otis, Kansas, the son of Joseph and Mary (Wilhelm) Wagner.  He grew up in the Otis area and graduated from Otis High School in 1942.  He met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Frances Mae Laubhan on August 29, 1948 at the St. John Lutheran Church in Russell.  From this union Clarence and Frances were blessed with two sons, Steve and Brad.  Clarence worked as a Production Foreman for the National Coop Refinery Association most of his adult life and retired in 1988.  After he retired he enjoyed wood working, being outdoors doing yard work and gardening as well as traveling with Frances around America and overseas.  He was a long time member of St. John Lutheran Church of Russell and served on the church counsel for many years and was actively involved in the bible study.  He was also a member of the Elks Lodge of Russell and was a former Boy Scout leader.  Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his wife and family.

Surviving family includes his wife of 63 years, Frances Wagner of the home, sons Steve Wagner and wife Rita of Lake Charles, Louisiana and Brad Wagner and wife Theresa of Russell and one granddaughter Kristin Wagner, two step grandsons James & Shawn Orndoff and 1 great grandson Karter Orndoff.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Alice Douglas and infant sister Ruth Wagner, and brothers Lester, Verner and Marvin Wagner.

FUNERAL DATE UPDATE/CHANGE DUE TO WEATHER:

A celebration of Clarence’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Wednesday, December 21, 2011, at St. John Lutheran Church of Russell with Pastor Roger Dennis officiating.  Burial will follow at the St. John Lutheran Church Cemetery in Russell.  Visitation will be from 1 P.M. to 5 P.M. Tuesday, December 20, 2011.

Family Visitation for Tuesday Evening has been cancelled due to weather concerns. 

In lieu of flowers the family has requested that memorials be given to St. John Lutheran Church or to the Russell County Food Pantry and sent in care of the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.