Harley passed away March 23, 2016 while under Hospice care at the Bay Pines VA hospital in Bay Pines, Florida. He was born and raised in Ohio and joined the United States Marine Corp to serve in the Vietnam War. After returning from active duty, he went to work for General Dynamics, Lima Army Tank Plant where he retired after 30 years on the job.
Harley will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, the ability to tell great stories, and his love of books, trivia, and history. Harley adored children and animals and they seemed to love him. Harley will also be remembered for his brave acceptance of the challenges of life and his ability to overcome unbelievable odds. He was indeed a “Miracle Man”.
Harley is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Jill Wagner. He is also survived by his beloved stepchildren: Darleen (Mark) Elliott and Dustin Yorksie, his wonderful grandchildren: Courtney, Cade, Cayleigh, and Carah Elliott. Also surviving is his brother: Thomas (Debra) Wagner and his sisters: Kitty (Wayne) Overton and Terry (Tom) Sauber. In Canada, Harley is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, James (Judy) Pearce and the rest of his Canadian family.
Harley was preceded in death by his stepson, Daniel J. Yorksie USMC, his parents Margaret and Vaughn Wagner, and his youngest brother Edward Wagner.
A military service will be held at the Bay Pines National Cemetery located at 10,000 Bay Pines Blvd., Bay Pines, FL on June 17, 2016 at 10:00 am. A Celebration of Life reception will follow at a location yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to the children’s charity of your choice. Harley would be honored by any gift in his memory.
Our thoughts and prays are with you Jill. Love you your Niece Deana, Haeley and Rob.
Tom Wagner and Family, Our Our thoughts and prays are with you all in this sad time. We love you and we are here for you. So very sorry for your loss. <3 May God send his Angels down to wrap you all in their wings and heal your hearts, and give you strength.
May your journey be peaceful and filled with love.
Harley was the person who taught me to strive always to do what is right and to leave things better than you found them. After a very long battle, with cancer and heart issues, he is finally at peace. He married my mother and came into a broken family that wasn’t his own blood and did so with love, honor and respect. We were happy that he became part of our family and better for it. He was one of the noblest people I have known, a Marine and most of all my friend.
I love him and will miss greatly.
Semper Fi
It was a pleasure to have met you both and to have taken care of him in his last days. May God give you all peace. Rest in peace Mr. Wagner.