Larry N. Wagner

Larry N. Wagner, 83, died peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, June 19, 2026 at Bucyrus Community Hospital after a recent fall and declining health.

He was born in Carey on December 14, 1942, the firstborn child of the late Lester and Kate (Risner) Wagner. The Wagner family moved to Bucyrus when Larry was in grade school. He attended Sulphur Springs and graduated in Colonel Crawford’s first class of 1962. He had a good childhood, finding all sorts of mischief with his siblings. Despite moving miles apart, they enjoyed getting together and reminiscing. Larry, like his father, joined the US Marine Corps and served from 1963-1967 with one tour in Vietnam. He returned to Bucyrus and was introduced to Betty Walter. They were married August 2, 1968 and cherished nearly 50 years of marriage until her death on May 7, 2018. After Betty’s death, Larry became reacquainted with Darlene Sharp and enjoyed her companionship and her family.

Larry was a gifted machinist and worked for Ohio Crane and Hydraulic Tech before retiring. A man of faith, he and Betty were active members of Christ Gospel Church where Larry served on the board and as a deacon and trustee. He was also a member of the Machinists Union and Marine Corps Association.

Many will remember Larry as a Karate instructor for “Animals Karate Club.” He was a 7th degree blackbelt and taught classes in Bucyrus and Marion. He competed in and took students to competitions all over the country where he met several martial arts celebrities including Chuck Norris. He was also a “gamer” before the term was widely used. He had gaming systems in the 1970s that he had to code himself before acquiring Atari, Sega, and Xbox, which he enjoyed personally and playing with his great grandson. Larry was friendly and talkative; those who knew him loved him.

Larry is survived by daughter, Nanette (Gerald) Fulton; granddaughters, Ivey Fulton (Craig McCoy) and Kelby Fulton (Jason Conant); great grandchildren, Kyler McDevitt, Haisley McDevitt, and Harlan Conant; sisters, Cheryl Heinlen and Gwen (Tony) Verrengia; brother, Gary (Helen) Wagner; sister-in-law, Nan Wagner; his life partner of the past eight years, Darlene Sharp and her children that he dearly loved: Leslie (Tommy Sr) Starner, Ray (Sharon) Thitoff, and Pete Thitoff (Christy Smith); his friend and homecare nurse, Kevin Swart; along with nieces, nephews, and extended family.

In addition to his parents and bride, Larry was preceded in death by brother, Cy Wagner and brother-in-law, Butch Heinlen.

Private services are being held with military rites by the US Marine Corps Honor Guard. Larry will be laid to rest with Betty in Chapel Heights Memory Gardens.

Those wishing to remember Larry with a memorial contribution are encouraged to make the gifts payable to Christ Gospel Church. These gifts can be given at Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus. Memories and photos can be shared on the guestbook of Larry’s tribute page at www.wisefuneral.com.