Oliver Wagner

Oliver Wagner, 87, of Brenham, died Friday, July 17, 2009, at Trinity Medical Center in Brenham. Mr. Wagner was born October 7, 1921, in Round Top, Texas, to Alfred, Sr. and Lina Spies Wagner. He was admitted to Texas A&M College at age 16 and graduated four years later in 1942, with a degree in electrical engineering. Because of a medical deferment, he went to work for Westinghouse Corp. in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in support of the war effort. After World War II, he accepted a position with Petrolite Corp. and worked in various locations around the country. While working in Port Arthur, Texas, he met his wife-to-be, Virginia Kleinfelder. They were married on July 11, 1953, in Port Arthur. Subsequent moves with Petrolite included residential assignments in Europe, including Rome twice, London and Frankfurt, where he built the company''s international business. Both daughters were born in Rome. He retired from his career with Petrolite in Houston and moved to Brenham in 1993. Mr. Wagner was a 50-year member of the Masons and was a member of Graham Lodge 20 AF&AM, where he served as chaplain. He was also a member of the Round Top Rifle Association. He served on the board of the Winedale Foundation and was a 10-year board member of Northeast Washington County Water Supply Corp. He was also a member of numerous professional organizations. Mr. Wagner was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Virginia Kleinfelder Wagner; daughters, Maria Theresa and Rebecca Ann; brothers, Arlin and Cordell; and nephews, Arwel and David. He is survived by his sister, Verline Grace Fuchs and husband Melvin of Rosenberg; brother, Alfred "Al" Wagner, Jr. and wife Ruby of Houston; and numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, July 24 at St. Peter''s Episcopal Church in Brenham with Father David Ottsen. Inurnment will be in St. Peter''s Episcopal Church Columbarium, under the auspices of Graham Lodge 20 AF&AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Peter''s Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 937, Brenham, TX 77834. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main St., Brenham, 979-836-4564. To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.