Howard Duane Wagner

Howard Duane Wagner, 92, born on June 30, 1923 in Colton, California, passed away December 11, 2015. He resided in Sierra Madre, California at the time of his passing. Arrangements are under the direction of Douglass & Zook Funeral and Cremation Services, Monrovia, California.

Howard Wagner,
Born to Joseph & Ethel Wagner on 6/30/23 in Colton CA,
He was raised in Hemet an only child of his mother's 2nd marriage.
He had brothers & sisters by her first marriage, John, Joe, Bunny, Gloria,
Hattie and Jewel Travis.
His favorite being John Travis, who was also in the usaaf and stationed near him
During WW2.
His nickname was JR.
Played minor parts in the Ramona Pageant in San Jacinto in his early high school years.
Joined the US Army Air force at the beginning of WW2 where he rose to the level of Master Sgt.
He was based at Bellows air field located in Waimanalo, Hawaii.
He was at Bellows field the day of the Pearl Harbor attack and was an active participant
In its defense.
Returned to Hemet after the war.
He then met Katherine who was learning to be a pilot at the Ryan air field.
They later married & honeymooned in Hawaii in 1947.
Went to USC on the GI bill and earned a degree in business at the
Marshall School of business.
Was a member of the Acacia fraternity there.
Worked as a car salesman at several dealers including Mission Chevrolet in San Gabriel & Robert loud ford in Pasadena.
He tried his hand at real estate by building an apartment building which he later sold
As it was too much trouble to manage.

He flew as a private pilot with his wife and He bought shared ownership of
a 1945 Luscombe 8a with her and his pilot friends.
Took many flying outings all over so cal with many trips to have lunch at the burger
Place at the Catalina Island airport with his friends. One of his favorite plane stories was
About landing on Catalina Island.
He Started his own car lot Rancho Motors in Azusa on rented property in the late 60's where he
Expanded by buying a major corner lot across from city hall.
He retired in 1979 after the birth of his grandson.
At that same time in late 79 he embarked on a 1 month "grand tour of Europe".
During the later time of his lot in Azusa, he attended night school at the Northwestern
University of law in Fullerton, where he earned his law degree.
Although he missed passing the bar exam by only 10 points,
He decided not to pursue it again over the next year, instead devoting his time to other
Interests and helping friends all throughout his retirement years with his knowledge.
In retirement he took on his real love of finance in managing stock portfolios and accts,
Making sort of second lively hood in the stock market.
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While married both he & Katherine took many trips,
Passing thru 4 corners and Monument Valley, and riding the burros down the Grand Canyon.
They visited Cabo San Lucas, Mexico city & often traveled across the Tijuana border the go see
The bullfights, and saw many of the great masters of bullfighting perform.
They took in many shows in Vegas, including members of the original Rat Pack, Louis Armstrong, & count Basie and his orchestra.

After Jean & John were born, they settled down to more of a family life,
Taking trips all over the so cal area, traveling thru Death Valley, and visiting
All the missions & ghost towns.
They took one of the first offered short trips out of LAX in a jet airline in the 60's.
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Dad Enjoyed movies & jazz/classical music,
He read many books on the topics of ww2, bible, civil war, world politics, and American govt.
Shakespeare and Will Durant were his favorites.
Although he had lost most of his sight by 2006, he continued his leisure reading through
The National Braille Institute audio tape library.
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His favorite cars were his Mercedes Benz Gull wing, & his MG TD/f midget.
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He was loved & respected by his friends and sales partners, and was always known for his
Positive outlook & agreeableness.
To his children, he was the Master Sgt in charge, and kept things running smoothly
He was always the peacemaker in the family.
He was family orientated person who kept close to his wife, children and grandson.