Merlin "Joe" Wagner, Jr.

Merlin “Joe” Wagner, Jr., age 57, of Pascagoula passed away unexpectedly on Sunday morning, May 8, 2022 at his home. He was born June 4, 1964 in Ponchatoula, La.  Joe was dedicated to his family business and became a co-owner of Merlin Wagner’s Contracting in 1969 and currently with his brother, Kevin. Joe was very active with social clubs, fund-raising, memberships, and gathering.  To name a few: Mud Mafia Club, Southeastern Extreme Riding, Pascagoula Elks Lodge BPOE 1120, Krewe of Niord, Cruisin’ the Coast, Ponchatoula strawberry festival, Trucks gone wild, and “The Crawfish King” was his well-earned name and expertise. He was a member of Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church in Pascagoula. 

He is preceded in death by his father, Merlin Joseph Wagner, Sr.   He is survived by his loving wife, Tonya Pitts Wagner, Pascagoula; mother, Margaret L. Kranke, Pascagoula; daughter, Meghan Warden (Justin), Pascagoula; step-daughter, Jenna Hamilton (Josh), Moss Point; step-son, Jeremy Pitts (Lindsey), Pascagoula; step-daughter, Lauren Floore, Pascagoula; grandchildren that was truly his heart, Luke Alford, D. J. Reid, Abigail and Waylon Hamilton, Adleigh and Aubreigh Pitts; four brothers and one sister, Rodney Wagner (Sonya), Parachute, OR, Kevin P. Wagner (Kay Kelly), Pascagoula; Merlin Christopher Wagner, Lompoc, CA (Rebecca Lewis), Tammy Madline Sequndl (Paul), Tampa, FL; Matthew Wagner, (Jennifer), Elberta, AL; numerous other relatives and great friends. 

Visitation will be Friday, May 13, 2022, 11:00-1:00pm, at O’Bryant-O’Keefe Funeral Home in Pascagoula.  Funeral Service will begin at 1:00pm in the funeral home chapel.  Burial service to follow at Machpelah Cemetery in Pascagoula. Pallbearers will be Rodney Wagner, Jon Wagner, Billy Seal, Joe Tally, Josh Steiner, and Tommy Brooks. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to be given to Jackson County CASA , 4903 Telephone Road, Pascagoula, MS 39567 You may send condolences to his family or share a memory at www.obryantokeefe.com.

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