Elden Lewis Wagner, Sr. 86, of New Braunfels passed away on April 12, 2023.  He was born on September 3, 1936, in Mission, Texas to Walter E. Wagner and Katie Ophelia Cox.  After high school, he enlisted in the Army and served as a mechanic before being honorably discharged and returning home. Most of his career was as a small business owner and driving a truck hauling mobile homes and cars. He was a jack of many trades.

He married Betty Crosser Wagner and they were married 49 years before her passing in 2005.  They married young and grew up together and though they had challenges, they grew stronger as a result.  One significant challenge occurred in 1981 when he was seriously burned in an accident.  His healing journey was long and difficult including months of hospitalizations and multiple surgeries which continued for years, however, they got through it side by side.   When Betty passed, a piece of Elden died with her and he continued to mourn her death throughout his remaining years.  He often visited her grave and would frequently speak lovingly about her.

Elden was a dedicated father and role model for his children; Teaching them about hard work, discipline, never giving up and always having a strong work ethic.  When angered by one of his kid's actions, he would take "cool off time" before making any disciplinary decisions.  As the seasons of his life changed so did he, he became a patient, loving, and soft PawPaw.  Elden was a family man and he loved his kids and grandkids with all he had.

He loved NASCAR and had a racecar in his earlier years, spending many nights at the local track.  He was a collector of all things, with a passion for model Ts and classic cars. He always had multiple "projects";  so many that no human could possibly finish them all.  Elden has a knack for meeting people and quickly finding a mutual connection.  He had an amazing memory and could recall names, dates, birthdays, and detailed information related to cars and trucks with such ease.  His special ability to recollect and recite information was often envied by his friends and family.  He was a genuine friend and mentor to many and will be truly missed.

Elden was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Katie Wagner; wife, Betty Wagner; daughter, Carolyn Jean Wagner; brother, Walter Wagner, Jr.; sister, Francis Herbert and sister, Marilyn Songy.

He is survived by his son, Elden Wagner, Jr.; daughter, Cindy Fischer and Pete V. Evanoff; and son, Ford Wagner and LouAnn Wagner; sister, Sylvia Gabler; grandchildren,, Justin Wagner, Riley Morrison, Aaron Weaver, Jacob Weaver, Susan Wimberly, Nathan Dixon, Darren Fischer, David Fischer, Noelen Wagner, Evan Wagner, Lila Andersen, Michael Johnson, Pete J. Evanoff, Lindsay Evanoff;  great-grandchildren, Madelin Anderson, Patrick Wagner, Jami Johnson, Garrett Weaver, Jay Weaver, Jaxon Weaver, Wyatt Weaver, Tanner Weaver, Landon Morrow, Lucas Morrow, Hailey Weaver, Kaylee Fischer, Jaxson Vanderlinden, Breanne Fischer, Brayden Fischer, Henry Fischer, Peter H. Evanoff, Grace Evanoff, Maverick Wagner, Jett Wagner, Saylor Wagner and "furbaby", River.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 16, 2023 at Hurley Funeral Home from 3:00 pm-6:00 pm; funeral service will be on Monday, April 17, 2023 at Harmony Baptist Church at 9:00 am