William "Bones" Bernerd Wagner

William “Bones” Bernerd Wagner, 95 years old, of Kokomo, passed away 3:15 pm Thursday January 1, 2026, at his home in Kokomo, IN, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. He was born April 12, 1930, the son of the late Louis Wagner and Mary (Adame) Adams Wagner. On September 29, 1951, he married Frances “Elaine” (Working) Wagner, and she survives.

William was a graduate of Kokomo High School.

He was a devoted member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Kokomo for his entire life. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus organization for many years. He was a hardworking and dedicated father. He cared deeply for his family, church, and community. His children and grandchildren respected and admired his work ethic. He had a subtle sense of humor until he could no longer speak due to his illness. He strived to make his family, friends, and even strangers comfortable and welcome in his life. He was a sports fan, especially of basketball, as he was awarded a scholarship to Butler in 1948. He also attended and graduated from Lawrence Technical Institute with a business degree in 1952. William was a proud American serving in the Army for 2 years and was deployed to Korea and Japan. He worked at Delco Electronics in Kokomo, Indiana for over 25 years.

In addition to his wife of 74 years, he is survived by his children, Timothy (Dottie) Wagner of Noblesville, IN, Thomas (Shelly) Wagner of Daytona Beach, FL, Teresa (Larry) Young, Lauren (Mike) Watkins, Louis (Rhonda) Wagner all of Kokomo, Matthew Wagner of Speedway, IN, and Andrea Wagner of Burnettsville; grandchildren, Sarah Wagner, Leigh Hill, Reid Young, Jay Young, Alex Metcalf, Davis Watkins; great-grandchildren, Dylan, Brandon, Denver, Owen, Clay, Ford, Henry, Agustin, Iris, Opal, and Eleanor.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers,4 sisters, and granddaughter, Emily.

It was our privilege to care for dad in their home the past few years. We wish to thank Kristian of Southern Care Hospice for her help and support on the rough days.

Dad will be dearly missed in our daily lives but will live in our hearts forever.

Private family burial will be held later at North Union Cemetery in Kokomo. Contributions may be made in Bone’s memory to St. Patrick Catholic Church, The Monastery of the Poor Clares, or the Alzheimer’s Association. Arrangements have been entrusted to Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

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