Lee Harold Wagner Obituary (1918 - 2013)

WINTHROP -- Lee Harold Wagner, 94, of Pepper Pike, Ohio, died Thursday, Aug. 15, 2013, at his daughter's home in Winthrop, where he has been residing for the last five years. He was born in Cleveland on Sept. 29, 1918, the son of Harold and Myrtle (Morgan) Wagner. Lee attended Case School of Applied Science before enlisting in the Army Air Corps. He was a B-26 pilot, who served in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. He was later a test pilot for the Air Force. Lee continued his education by attending Ohio State University, receiving a degree in aeronautical and mechanical engineering. He had worked for several companies before retiring from NASA at Lewis Research Center in Cleveland. While at NASA, he worked on the Saturn V launch vehicle for the Apollo Missions, power source for the space station, as well as other liquid fuel engines for space launch. Lee had a passion for flying. He was still piloting at the age of 94. He also was an outdoorsman who enjoyed camping, swimming, target shooting and karate. He was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association, Lander Circle Kiwanis in Pepper Pike, and the Plymouth Church of Shaker Heights. He was a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather and brother. He was predeceased by his wife, Winifred Wagner, and his daughter Lynne Hess, both in 2007; and a brother, Robert F. Wagner. He is survived by two daughters, Wendy Wagner, of Winthrop, and Elizabeth Wagner, of Pepper Pike, Ohio; three grandchildren, Kara Hiendlmayr, of Greenville, N.C., Brett Hiendlmayr and his wife, Luisa, of Worcester, Mass.; and Andrew Hess, of Pepper Pike, Ohio; a brother, Donald M. Wagner, and his wife, Chris, of Pepper Pike, Ohio; also several nieces, nephews and cousins. There will be no visiting hours. A celebration of Lee's life will be held at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the Plymouth Church, 2860 Coventry Road, Shaker Heights. Burial will be in Acacia Park Cemetery in Mayfield Heights, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society , One Bowdoin Mill Island, Topsham, ME 04086; or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 9 Erie Drive, Suite 101, Natick, MA 01760. Arrangements are in the care of Roberts Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 62 Bowdoin St., Winthrop, where memories, condolences and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at www.khrfuneralhomes.com.