Gerald D. Wagner

Gerald D. Wagner, 77, of Hughesville, died Monday, Sept. 17, 2012, at his home.

Born Sept. 18, 1934, in Altoona, he was a son of the late David E. and Della Mae Shadle Wagner. He and his wife, the former Patricia A. Kilgus, celebrated 57 years of marriage on July 30, 2012.

Jerry graduated from Lycoming College, Drue University and Shippensburg University in 1973, with a degree in communications. He served as a United Methodist Pastor for 58 years and was currently a member of the Susquehanna Conference.

During his tenure, Jerry served various churches throughout the state, including Elimsport, Montandon, Freeland Parish, Patton, McConnellsburg Charge, Shippensburg Christ, Avis Yoked Parish, Avis, Juniata Parish and retired in 1996. He would continue ministering from 2004, until his retirement again in 2012, from Picture Rocks Parish.

Jerry enjoyed camping and sports, umpiring baseball and softball games for over 40 years.

An active Mason, he was Past Master of Muncy Lodge; Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of PA for more than 30 years; Past High Priest of Warrior Run Chapter and Past Commander of Baldwin II Commandery. He also was an officer of Adoniram Council, Susquehanna Council Allied Masonic Degrees and the Red Cross of Constantine. He was a former officer of Susquehanna Forest and Supreme Chaplain of Tall Cedars of Lebanon and the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Williamsport, as well as a life member of The Royal Order of Scotland.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are two sons, Robert E. Wagner of Shippensburg and William D. Wagner of Dillsburg; two daughters, Elizabeth A. Wagner of Hillsville, Virginia and Martha A. Johnson of Painted Post, N.Y.; three brothers, Charles R. Wagner of Lock Haven, Kenneth E. Wagner and Richard D. Wagner, both of Altoona; a sister, Shirley M. Coltabaugh of Altoona; 10 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by a son, John T. Wagner and a sister, Catherine Smith.

Funeral services were held 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012, at Faith United Methodist Church, 700 Fairview Drive, Montoursville, with the Rev. Larry Leland, Rev. Bruce Fisher, Rev. Beth Jones and Rev. Arlene Beechert officiating. A private burial was held in Muncy Cemetery with the Rev. GayAnn Gearhart officiating. Friends called from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28, 2012, at the McCarty-Thomas Funeral Home, 557 E. Water St., Hughesville.

The family provided the flowers and suggest memorial contributions be made to the Muncy Lodge Scholarship Fund, c/o George Fraley, 95 First Ave., Muncy, PA 17756.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.mccartythomas.com.