World War II Vet Don Wagner was Known for his "Bikes for Tykes" Program

Donald Kenneth Wagner, age 89, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012 at Arbor Hospice Residence.

He was born Feb. 3, 1923 in Port Hope Michigan, the son of Jesse and Mae (Fortune) Wagner. He was raised in Port Hope, Michigan and he served his country as a Marine pilot in World War II. After the war he met Betty, his wife of 65 years, and they moved to Port Hope Michigan where they began to farm. There he became the first Commander of the Port Hope Am vets. In 1960 they moved to Redford, Michigan when he became an air traffic controller. In 1962 he joined State Farm Insurance and built a successful agency in Livonia Michigan, winning numerous company awards. 

Don was an active member and past president of the Redford, Livonia, and Saline Kiwanis. He was also given the prestigious Hickson Award. Don was also known all over Michigan for his "bikes for tykes" program.

He is survived by his beloved wife Elizabeth (Betty), his four children, Raymond (Barbara) Wagner, Betty (William) Gaffke, Kenneth (Barbara) Wagner, Richard (Christine) Wagner and 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be on Thursday, Sept. 27 from 4-8 p.m. at the Robison-Bahnmiller Funeral Home 301 E. Michigan Ave., Saline and on Friday, Sept. 28 rom 10 a.m. until the service time at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church 143 E. Michigan Ave, with the Rev. Dr. Judith Shipman, officiating.

Following the service at the church there will be military honors under the auspices of the Washtenaw County Veterans Honor Guard. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kiwanis Club of Saline and to the First Presbyterian Church of Saline and envelopes will be available at the funeral home and the church. To leave a memory or for directions, please visitwww.rbfhsaline.com.

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