Neil Halden Wagner

Neil Halden Wagner, 83, of Lowell, OH, passed away March 1, 2026. He was born April 20, 1942, to Bernard C. and Carol (Knoch) Wagner. He graduated from Fort Frye High in 1960.

He attended Jackson Manpower Center after being honorably discharged from Fort Knox USN Army Armor Tank Control Training Group during the Vietnam Era. He was a lifelong truck driver/mechanic and owned several hot rod coal buckets he built, being known as “Ironsides” on the CB. Tractors and engines were his passion and he specialized in tuning Cummins engines. Neil was a very competitive tractor puller competing in both the OSTPA and NTPA modified circuits across many states and Canada. He came up with many innovative designs, including the first twin allision aircraft engine machine to compete in the 7000lb class.

Growing up and working on the family farm as a boy, Neil continued the farming tradition by operating the family farm with Wilma for over 57 years. Some of his greatest joys were teaching and watching the grandchildren run his trucks and tractors.

Neil was a life member of Lowell American Legion Post 750 and also a member of the Forty and Eight Voiture Locale 1523 and the Teamsters Union.

He is survived by his wife, Wilma, of 61 years; son, Brian and wife, Dayna, along with their children, Sarah and Benjamin (Hannah) and great-grandson, Ellis; son, Kevin and wife, Kenna, as well as their children, Logan, Levi and Lucas; granddaughter, Stephanie Rowley and great-grandson, Vance; siblings, Lynn (Judy), Thomas (Barbara), Wanda (Doug)Herl, Randy (Tammy) and Keith (Sandra).

Neil is preceded in death by his parents; son, Darin (1999); granddaughter, Kyley Buvalla (2019); and brother, Wayne.

Funeral services will be held at the LOWELL CHAPEL OF CAWLEY & PEOPLES FUNERAL HOMES in Lowell, Ohio on Friday, March 6, 2026 at 12:00 pm with Pastor Travis Christman officiating, followed by a graveside service at Greenlawn Cemetery in Lowell, OH with full military honors. Visitation will take place at the funeral home on Thursday, March 5, 2026 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm.

Memorial donations may be made to L & A Fire and Rescue, P.O. Box 406, Lowell, OH 45744.

CAWLEY & PEOPLES FUNERAL HOME OF LOWELL is honored to serve the Wagner family and offers online condolences as well as many other resources by visiting www.CawleyandPeoples.com or by following their Facebook page.