Donald Reid Wagner

Donald Reid Wagner was born February 2, 1946 in San Pedro, California to Donald and Neoma (Thompson) Wagner. He passed away suddenly on Sunday, November 6, 2011 in Stateline (Lake Tahoe), Nevada. 'Mike', as he is affectionately known by many, or 'Don-Mike' as his wife called him, and 'Don' to everyone else, grew up and attended school in Bell, California. Following his graduation from Bell High School, Mike went on to Colorado State University. A short time after graduation, Don married Joyce Marie Marshall and to that union came two boys, Donald Sean and Michael Reid. He married again on December 18, 1999 to Cynthia Izzi. In addition to his wife, his family grew by three step-children, Brenda, Matthew and Janelle. Professionally, Don spent a number of years in sales before opening his pawn shop, Whittier Loan and Jewelry, in the latter part of 1996. He loved his 'work', though it wasn't really work to him. Perhaps most of all he just enjoyed spending each day along side his son, Sean.Don-Mike was a family man first and foremost. Spending time with his family was his favorite pasttime. He especially enjoyed cooking and entertaining them at his home. In his personal time, Don enjoyed western movies - especially John Wayne. Don was your typical right-wing conservative....he loved God and Country as well as Smith and Wesson! Rush Limbaugh was a regular on the radio dial and Fox News was the top television network for him. Our wonderful military was particularly dear to Don. He was very touched by their service, and he was very generous to causes that benefit them. Mike was also a man of faith, always recognizing God's hand in all things. This is demonstrated by two of his favorite sayings, 'God bless America' and 'God willing and the river don't rise....'. He was a long-time member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Pomona.When asked how Mike would be remembered, his family stated: 'He took care of all of us...he was the godfather of the family. He was a dutiful son, a loving brother, a devoted father and grandfather, and Cindy's perfect gift from God.'Don-Mike, Mike, Don, Donald, Dad and Grandpa is survived by his loving wife, Cindy; sons, Sean (Angie) and Mich (Rebecca) Wagner; his mother, Neoma Wagner; sisters, Susan (Ben) Heick and Pamela (Ray) Dabela; brothers, Terance (Marie) and Reid (Cindy) Wagner; step-daughters, Brenda (David) Gonzales-Tirado and Janelle Izzi; step-son, Matthew (Monique) Izzi; 8 grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in his death by his father, Donald L. Wagner.A viewing will be held from 10:00 - 11:00 am on Friday, November 11, 2011 at White Emerson Mortuary in Whittier. A service will immediately follow at 11:00 am. Private interment will take place at a later date.A Christian celebration of Don's life will be observed at 1:00 pm on Saturday, December 10, 2011 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 610 N. San Antonio, Pomona, California.