Ronald Gene Wagner

Ronald Gene Wagner, known to his family as Papi and to everyone else as Ron, passed away on December 16, 2025. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and proud veteran, he lived a life shaped by quiet strength, loyalty, and deep love for his family.

Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, Ronald later made Houston, Texas, his home, where he built a life with Rosalva “Rosie,” his partner and love for over fifty years. Together they created a family filled with laughter, resilience, and shared memories. He was a devoted father and is now reunited with his beloved son Michael, his brothers Bill and Bob, and his parents Grace and Jesse.

He is survived by his wife Rosie, his daughter Cristina Wagner, and the children he lovingly supported as they grew up—Jesse, Jai, Josh, and Julia—sharing in their upbringing alongside Rosie and the family. He also adored his great-granddaughter Brooklyn, daughter of Jesse and his partner Katy. He is further survived by his sister Cindy; his grandchildren Connor, Alan, and Teresa (children of his late son Michael); his sister-in-law Flo, wife of the late Bill; his sister-in-law Phoebe, wife of the late Bob; his brother-in-law Art; and Angela and Carl West with their children Justin, Jon, and Tana.

Papi was a man of quiet humor and steady presence. He loved fishing, keeping up with the newest technology, and music—from the timeless voices of Johnny Cash and Tina Turner to the Tejano music he came to love through his life with Rosie. Those sounds filled his home and his memories.

As a veteran, Ronald served his country with pride, carrying that same sense of duty into every part of his life. His legacy lives on in the love he gave, the support he offered, and the moments he showed up, again and again, for the people he loved.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Ronald’s memory to We’ll Get This, Make-A-Wish, Snowdrop Foundation, or Kids Unlimited—organizations that brought many meaningful memories, joyful moments, and important milestones into his life with his grandchildren Julia, Jesse, Jai, and Josh, as well as with his wife and daughter.

He was deeply loved, and he will be profoundly missed.