December 13, 1947 – November 11, 2023
Larry Eugene Wagoner, 75, Sheridan, passed away on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2023. He was born December 13, 1947, in Lebanon, Ind., the oldest of four children, to the late Ray Leon, and Mae (Dunn) Wagoner.
Larry attended Whitestown High School until the age of 17. It was at this point in his life that the call to service was too strong for him to ignore. In 1964 he enlisted in the United States Navy, proudly serving his country during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Casa Grande in the Mediterranean.
When Larry returned stateside, he entered the workforce. Working in a variety of industries throughout his career gave him a unique outlook on most situations. From working for a furniture company to hiring on with Purdue University as part of their landscaping and athletic field maintenance crew (with stints as both a truck driver and highway billboard installer tucked in the middle), Larry saw a little bit of everything.
Larry had an incredible zest for life. He loved the outdoors and spent as much time as he could enjoying the beauty of God’s creation. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, hitting his favorite (secret) spots looking for mushrooms, hiking, and biking along the Monon Trail, as well as collecting rocks with fossils in them that he would find along his journeys out into nature. There was also never a bad time for a scenic drive or sitting around the fire pit looking up at the stars. He had an appreciation for most types of music, especially rock & roll, Motown, and contemporary Christian, with a little jazz and big band thrown in for good measure. Of all Larry’s interests in life, none gave him more pleasure than sitting down with his C.R.S. Euchre buddies at Spicewood.
Larry believed in a life of service, not only to his country, but to those in the community he was proud to call home. For the past seven years, he faithfully volunteered with the Open Arms Food Pantry at the Sheridan Church of God. He would serve in many different roles within the group, but one of his favorite parts was helping to fill boxes for Operation Christmas Child through Samaritan’s Purse. Larry never met a stranger, a gift that served him well throughout his life. He loved talking with everyone who came in to visit the pantry. He loved hearing someone’s good news but was also a dedicated prayer warrior when needed. Most of all, Larry was a friend.
In 2019, Larry was baptized at the Six Points Church in Sheridan, and later began attending HeartPointe Church in Hortonville. He enjoyed participating in Bible study groups, as well as church trips to the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter. There were many pastors, family, and friends that walked with Larry on his spiritual journey. Each one held a special place in his heart, as well as a different role in helping him stand on his own faith. One such instance was when Pastor Steve Martin gifted him a large-print Bible. He never realized how much he couldn’t see … until he could.
Larry is survived by two daughters, Jennifer Baumgardt (Chris) of Lafayette and Richelle Wagoner of Lafayette; two grandchildren, Ashton Baumgardt and Emma Baumgardt; brother, Steven Wagoner (Pam) of Lebanon; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews; and by his best friend and loving companion, Deborah (Inman) Savage of Sheridan.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray Leon and Mae (Dunn) Wagoner; sister, Kay Wagoner-Black; brother, Joe Wagoner; and by his granddaughter, Kayla Wagoner.
A celebration of Larry’s life will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at the Sheridan Church of God, 707 W. 2nd St., Sheridan, with visitation from 3 p.m. until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be presented to the Open Arms Food Pantry (c/o the Sheridan Church of God), or to the Veteran’s Organization of your choice.
Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com