Donald “Buzz” Clarence Wagar
Donald “Buzz” Clarence Wagar, 92, of Midland, passed away peacefully Saturday, May 10, 2025, at home with his family by his side. He was born on May 27, 1932, in Saginaw, Michigan.
Don was the son of the late Orlen Wagar and Vera (Glidden) McKimmy. He was raised in Beaverton, spending his early childhood living on his Grandpa Clarence and Grandma Queen’s farm before moving into town at the age of 12. He enjoyed playing football and basketball at Beaverton High School and graduated in 1951. He served his country honorably in the United States Army, Heavy Mortar Company, during the Korean War. He was a proud Thunderbird.
Don worked at the Dow Chemical Company for 44 years. On October 25, 1958, he married the former Jerri Schornack. They raised their two children in Midland. Don was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He enjoyed traveling and attending sporting events, especially Michigan State football and Beaverton High School basketball games. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family and being “Papa” to all his girls.
Don will be dearly missed by his two children: Jonne (Steve) Bush of Midland and Tom (Linda) Wagar of Fort Gratiot; three granddaughters: Sara (John) Tomas, Bridget Bush, and Mary (Mark) Doman; and four great-granddaughters: Sophia, Charlotte, and Elizabeth Tomas, and Audrey Doman. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Jerri Wagar; and sister, Carol Ann Yost.
A private funeral mass celebrated by Rev. James W. Bessert is to be held at St. Brigid of Kildare Catholic Church in Don’s memory.
All of us at Ware Smith Woolever are honored the Wagar family has entrusted us with the care of their loved one.