Obituary: Robert W. Wagner, 49, Friendship

Robert W. WAGNER, 49, of Friendship, NY, died Tuesday, February 6, 2024 in his home.  Born April 11, 1974, in North Tonawanda, he was the son of Floyd and Sharon Kowalski Wagner.  On June 11, 2016, in Richburg, he married the former Ruth E. Norton, who survives.  A graduate of Friendship Central School, he earned his welding certificate at BOCES.  Bob was employed by API from 1993 – 2007 and Siemens from 2007 – 2023, working as a welder in Wellsville, Olean, and Painted Post.  Bob enjoyed hunting and dirt track racing with his son, Justin.  Bob loved working on his racing team as crew chief and mechanic.  He could weld and build anything.  Bob and Ruth spent a lot of time together farming, gardening, and spending time with the grandchildren.  Surviving besides his wife, Ruth, are: four children, Justin (Melissa) Baxter of Belmont, Brittney (Ethan) Lockwood of Alfred, Devine Leacock of Friendship, and Zebadiah (Sharena Kolata) Schmidt of Friendship; seven grandchildren, Victor, Declan, Noah, Wyatt, Emmett, Kacyn, and Nevaeh; his former wife and mother to three of his children, Cheri Baxter of Friendship; and a half-sister, Sherry (Clay) Shepherd of TN.  He was predeceased by his father; paternal grandfather, Floyd Wagner; and paternal grandmother, Jo Anne Wagner, who raised him.  A gathering to celebrate Bob’s life will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024 and details will be announced.  Cremation was at OLNEY-FOUST Private Crematory.  Memorials may be made to 4-H or FFA.  Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Cremation, Crowell Chapel, 296 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.