Samuel Wagner

Samuel B. Wagner, 83, of Washington, IL, went to be with the Lord at 9:52 pm, Friday, October 28, 2022, at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.

He was born on March 3, 1939, in Dallas, TX, the son of Glenn and Lucretia Bond Wagner. He married Marlene K. Hunzicker on February 25, 1961, in Washington.

His wife Marlene and their four children are surviving, Kimberly (James) Heap of Bloomington, Terilyn Cagle, Gwen Howarter, and Bond Wagner, all of Washington. Also surviving are ten grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and one brother Gerald May of Albuquerque, NM. His parents and one brother Glenn Wagner preceded him in death.

During the 1960's he was an anchor reporter for WEEK-TV in East Peoria. In the 1970's he worked for Bradley University as director of information services and taught classes in communication. In the 1980's he founded Video I-D Teleproductions in Washington, working with Fortune 500 companies.

Sam was a member and elder of Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria and was involved in building Grace Presbyterian Church Teleproductions. He was instrumental in conceiving Channel 43, and was heavily involved in Pocket Testament League. As a son of Missionaries, he lived in Japan and later Africa, graduating from Rift Valley Academy in Kenya.

He served on various boards, including National Religious Broadcasters, God's Great Outdoors, and the local American Red Cross. He was active with the NRA and the Illinois State Rifle Association. Sam enjoyed hunting with his son in Idaho and Colorado and fishing anywhere. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

At Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington, a funeral service is scheduled for 11:00 am, Tuesday, November 8, 2022. Visitation will be Monday, November 7, 2022, from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm, also at Mason-White Funeral Home. Burial will be at Glendale Cemetery in Washington. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to a fund established at Washington State Bank for final expenses. Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington is assisting with arrangements. To share a memory or send a condolence to his family, visit www.masonfuneralhomes.com.