John Wagoner

John Wagoner, 70, of Ottawa Hills, OH passed away on January 4, 2010 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on November 2, 1939, in Toledo, OH to Wilma and Hubert Wagoner. John Wagoner understood his mission in life. His mission as an attorney, for over 40 years, was a labor of love and service to others. His mission to his fellow man was as a leader of the Hope International Mission Team, where he organized 10 short term mission trips to Central America to assist Habitat for Humanity in building homes for those in need. He touched countless lives through these efforts and was called Godfather by all the El Salvadoran school students the team sponsored. He inspired those around him through his actions. John was the proud and loving father of John Jr. Jay Kara Wagoner, Stephanie Mark Woodruff, and stepdaughter, Christine Rich McVay. He was a loving grandfather to Andrew Austin Woodruff and Nathan and Henry McVay. John was also devoted to special buddy, Eli. His wife and best friend, Beth, shared his passion for mission work and the two were always seen together volunteering in the community and working in their yard. They also enjoyed spending time at their condo in Florida where he was able to celebrate his 70th birthday in November of this year. He will be remembered by his favorite phrase there is always room for desserthis favorite being any kind of pie. Throughout his life John was a dedicated athlete. He set track records at Shelby High School and played on the football team. He completed many marathons, including Boston and Chicago, ultra-marathons and triathlons. He is now running in Heaven with his best buddy Jones. John enjoyed other adventures like Bike to the Bay, wilderness backpacking canoeing, and fly-fishing around the world. His love for the outdoors stemmed from his upbringing on his family farm in Shelby, Ohio raising pigs to pay his way through college at the University of Toledo. Up until the end, he campaigned for his grandsons, Nathan and Henry, to raise pigs on their farm in Fayette, Ohio. Grandpa John was a huge supporter of Andrews saxophone playing with the Mason High School Marching Band as well as Austins theatre and musical performances with Childrens Theatre of Mason. He took pride in Nathans first touchdowns and Henrys love of trains. His mission to serve others included being past president of the Toledo Law Alumni Association, past president of Hope Lutheran Church, treasurer of the Christian Legal Society, co-founder of the Holland Springfield Chamber of Commerce and receiving the Sam Walton Business Award. He also played a pivotal role as Treasurer for his nephew, Mark Wagoners, political campaign. John is also survived by his ever dedicated brother Mick Jo Wagoner, nephews Mark Merideth Wagoner, Greg Jennifer Wagoner and niece Paula Nick Conway as well as five grandnieces and nephews. The family is very grateful to the wonderful services provided by Hospice of Northwest of Ohio. They are the angels of comfort. The family also wishes to thank all those who sent cards, letters, gifts and also for their prayers. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, www.hospicenwo.org, or help continue our work in the schools of El Salvador through Epilogos Charities 3 Essex Street, Concord NH 03301, www.epilogos.org. John will be missed by many but in our hearts forever. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 9, 2010 at 11:00 AM at McCord Road Christian Church , 4765 McCord Road, Sylvania. A reception will follow for family and friends to share stories. There will be no visitation, interment will be private. Arrangements by the Walker Funeral Home 419-841-2422. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com