Donald Alan Wagner Sr., 84, affectionately known as “Pop-Pop,” 84, of Lewes, Del., passed away on Monday, Oct. 31, 2016, at Christiana Care Health System, in Newark, Del. He was born Sunday, April 24, 1932, in Baltimore, Md., son of the late Walter L. and Lydia C. (Zoll) Wagner.
He was a 1950 graduate of Lansdowne (Pa.) High School. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he honorably served his country during the Korean War aboard the USS Diamondhead. Following his service, Wagner served the community of East Lansdowne as a police officer. Wagner worked for several years at General Electric and Farrell’s Plumbing & Heating before settling at Burnham Corporation. He retired from Burnham as a regional sales manager after 40 dedicated years.
After marrying the love of his life, Christine, in 1952, they and his in-laws founded Boatel Boat Storage and New Happy Holiday Boat Sales in Lewes. Today, he was proud to see the iconic Boatel be home to the next family business, 2 Dips Ice Cream, as well as a place where he could display his many museum collections and share his countless stories and experiences.
In his free time, Wagner loved collecting memorabilia for his museum and writing poetry, of which he had five books published. He also was an active volunteer at Beebe Healthcare for 18 years and a member of the Lewes Men’s Chorus, the Fraternal Order of Police, the Cub and Boy Scouts of America and the National Kidney Foundation.
More than anything, Wagner loved his time spent with his family. His many stories, positive attitude and zest for life will be cherished and remembered by all who knew and loved him.
In addition to his parents, Wagner was preceded in death by his loving wife of 43 years, Christine Wagner, and his one brother, Richard Wagner. He is survived by his two sons, Donald A. Wagner Jr. and his wife, Lora, of Milton, Del., and Carl L. Wagner and his wife, Mandy, of Lewes; his four grandchildren, Jan Marie Turansky and her husband, JP, Chelsey Lynn Wagner and her significant other, Ryan Wharton, CJ Stephens and Robbie Stephens; and his two great-grandchildren, Talon and Joelle.
Friends may visit with the family to pay tribute on Friday, Nov. 11, 2016, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, Del.
A celebration of life reception will be held on Saturday, Nov. 12, from 2 to 5 p.m. with a service of remembrance at 3 p.m. at the Lewes Fire Department Station #2, 32198 Janice Road, Lewes, Del.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation.
Condolences may be sent online at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.