Melvin P. Wagner, 83, of Wadsworth passed away Saturday, August 7, 2010. He was born November 16, 1926 in Hastings, Nebraska to the late Carl Gottfried and Caroline (nee Pitz) Wagner. Dr. Wagner joined the United States Air Force in 1944, received his Bachelors and Masters Degree from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska where he was a member of Alpha Sigma Nu Jesuit Honor Society. In July of 1952 he began his career at PPG Industries and in August of 1953 was married to Ruth Hilt. In 1960 Dr. Wagner received his PhD in Polymer Science from Akron University. He holds 10 patents and was the second chemist from the Barberton Research Lab to be inducted into the Collegium.
Melvin was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church where he was a Eucharistic Minister, a member of the Knights of Columbus, and a past member of Sacred Heart Council. He was also a member of Serra Club and ACS Rubber Division. He was an avid bridge player, enjoyed golf, woodworking and his grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his grandson Colton, sister Doris Goodrich and brother Eugene Wagner.
Mel is survived by his wife Ruth, their children Joan (Mike) Csora, Mark (Becky Lonteen) Wagner, Martha (Rick) Sprow, John (Kathy) Wagner, Lynne (Vincent) Garrett, grandchildren Brian Csora, Ami (Joe) Caporaletti, Heather (Chris) Powell, Kerri, Aaron, Jon, Slava and Giorgi Sprow, Justin, Chad, Jacob Wagner, Brady, Ryan, Dylan (Chelsie), Luke and Logan Garrett, great grandchildren Alexandra Powell and Rileigh Powell. His sisters and brothers in law Patricia (Lou) Torske and Janice (Allen) Brodrick.
The family will receive friends 5-9 PM Monday at the Hilliard-Rospert Funeral Home 174 N. Lyman St. Wadsworth.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 9:30 AM Tuesday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 272 Broad St. Wadsworth. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic School or Visiting Nurse Service and Hospice Development Fund, 3358 Ridgewood Rd., Akron, OH 44333-6118