Wagner, Earl A. 1935-2009

WAGNER, BACON, HAWKINS, HORSMAN

Posted By: Ernie Braida (email)
Date: 1/11/2010 at 10:47:25

Earl A. Wagner was born April 14, 1935 in Springfield, MO, the son of Lester Bacon and Nina (Hawkins) Bacon.

He moved with his family to Indianola as a child and then on to Pleasantville where he graduated with the Pleasantville High School class of 1953. Earl began racing in 1956 first racing Super Modifieds and then Sprint Cars and continued until retiring from the track in 1974.

Additionally, Earl raced USAC for one year. Throughout his racing career, he won the point championship at the Knoxville Raceway and was inducted into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame. Following his retirement from the track, Earl continued to be active as the Pitt Steward for the Knoxville Raceway from 1975 to 1999.

On October 19, 1957, Earl was united in marriage to Harriet Horsman in the Pleasantville Christian Church. Earl worked at the Pittsburgh Des Moines Steel Welding until the early 60’s when he began working in the plumbing and heating business. He eventually owned and operated Wagner Plumbing & Heating from which he retired in 2005.

Earl enjoyed mushroom hunting, watching the grandchildren’s softball and baseball games and spending time with his family and friends.

Earl served his community in many capacities through the years: he was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Pleasantville Fire Department, Pleasantville City Council, the Marion County Board of Supervisors and as Mayor of Pleasantville.

Earl passed away on Thursday, September 24, 2009 at his home at the age of 74 years, 5 months and 10 days.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Elaine Doig, and brothers, Harold and Marvin Bacon.

Survivors include his wife, Harriet; children, Diane (Russell) Farr of Greenville, SC; Debby Stanaford of Pleasantville and Jeff Wagner of Knoxville; 5 grandchildren; siblings, James Bacon of Knoxville, Dixie Young and Fern Lester of Boise, Idaho and Gerald Bacon of Payson, AZ.

Burial: Pleasantville Cemetery

Bertrand Funeral Homes Sept. 2009