Patrick Wagoner

Patrick Ryan Wagoner was born on March 2, 1975 to Dennis and Jane (Olin) Wagoner.
In His brother Darren's words:

Patrick was special, not because of his condition, but special for what he did as a
person. Although he couldn't talk or walk or do most things that we can do, He
touched every person that saw him. You may not realize it, but in your own mind,
he made you appreciate who you were. Now to me that is special. For almost 27
years He made a difference to more people and touched more lives than we could
imagine. He would do things at home that most of you didn't get to see; learning
to hold a bottle, learning to sit up by himself, learning to hold a glass and drink.
These are just a few of his small accomplishment.

He taught a Dentist in Omaha not to shove his thumb into Patrick's mouth. You
could tell by the tears on the Dentist's face that he was truly touched. The smile
on Patrick's face was one of satisfaction. He taught this educated man a lesson
that he will remember the rest of his career.

There were quite a few times over the years that we thought that we were going
to have to give Patrick to God. But every time he would bounce back as if to say
he wasn't done here. Patrick waited for Valentine's Day, the day of Love to go be
with God. He is with Grandpa Olin and Grandpa Wagoner and the rest of his
friends and family.

Patrick attended special education programs at Grand Island and Wood River public
schools. The year he completed his education his parents established a scholarship in his
name for a Wood River Rural High School Senior who was going into
teaching/healthcare.
Patrick enjoyed music (the Beachboys were a favorite) and swimming.
Patrick was survived by his parents, two brothers and a sister-in-law, Darren & Kristen
Wagoner of Council Bluffs, Iowa, First Lt. Shawn Wagoner of Fort Hood Texas, a sister,
Deanna Wagoner of Lawrence, Kansas, three nieces, Mallori Jane, Brooklynn Nicole and
Julia Nicole, and grandmothers, Cecelia Wagoner of Wood River and Goldie Olin of
Spencer.
He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Thomas Wagoner and Mandus Olin.
Patrick's Named fund will be used for a program for the elementary school and to
continue the named scholarship.