Roll Call Tribute

Eugene "Gene" Paul Wagner

August 31, 1933 - February 25, 2023

Lt. Colonel USAF (retired) Eugene “Gene” Paul Wagner, 89, a resident of Cape Coral, FL for the past 33 years, formerly of Clayton, CA (and so many other places he has lived throughout his life) passed away in Hospice care on February 25, 2023. He was born August 31, 1933, in Cleveland, Ohio to Henry and Sylvia Wagner, now deceased. Gene had one brother, Don Wagner, also deceased.

His wife Beverly Joyce Macomber Wagner predeceased him on April 26, 2020, after 62 years of marriage.

He is survived by his five loving children, Debra Wagner (Kenneth) of Rineyville, KY, Robert Henry Wagner (Christine) of Cape Coral, FL, John Paul Wagner (Len) of Orlando, FL, Susan Sylvia Wagner of Monterey, CA and Jennifer Wagner of Cape Coral, FL; grandson, Jared Purcell (Brittany) of Colorado Springs, CO with a great-granddaughter, Layla Purcell, and another grandchild, Nikki Carter, as well as another great-grandchild, Kylie Carter.

Gene was of the Catholic faith and attended both St. Katherine Drexel Catholic Church and St. Andrew Catholic Church in Cape Coral. He attended Notre Dame University before joining the Air Force and becoming an airplane navigator. While in the Air force, he attended Texas A&M University completing his master’s degree in computer science at a time when computers still used magnetic tape for data storage. He served in the Air Force for 28 years, reaching the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

After retiring from the Air Force, he went to work in the private sector selling everything from computer anti-spyware to boats. He loved to build and fly remote radio-controlled airplanes and boats, and even helped develop the first flying airfield in Cape Coral. Golfing was a lifelong love he enjoyed (and cursed at). Fishing, boats, traveling with his family in RV’s, camping, and a love of classic western movies, made for a full life. Gene will be met at the Rainbow Bridge by a host of canine companions, none of whom will sit when he tells them to.

No formal services are planned at this time. A celebration of life will be held at a later date and his and Bev’s ashes will be placed in final rest together with military honors at Sarasota National Cemetery. Ultimately his spirit is in heaven with Jesus, where he is able to dance with his wife once again and enjoy his eternity in peace.

Memorial Contributions in memory of Lt. Col. USAF, Retired, Eugene Paul Wagner are suggested to Hospice care or any animal rescue organization, to support Gene’s great love of all animals.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.