Vera Wagner

JACKSON - Vera Seabaugh Wagner, 88, died Jan. 6, 2002, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

Born Nov. 20, 1913, daughter of the late Loy and Ester Morton Seabaugh, she was a graduate of Jackson High School and served in the U.S. Waves Medical Corps during World War II, stationed for two years in New Orleans. She graduated in 1940 with a bachelor of science degree in education from Southeast Missouri State University and had taught English and art in Jackson and Jefferson City.

In 1948, she graduated with a masters degree in art from Columbia University in New York.

After returning to Jackson, she taught art at Southeast for six years, retiring in 1978 as professor emeritus of fine arts.

She also served on the Jackson Park Board for 20 years, designed and painted the animals in the park and was involved in the development of the Veterans of All Wars Memorial and in establishing Litz Park. A member of the Jackson Heritage Association and volunteer with the Salvation Army, she served on the Southeast Missouri State University Wesley Foundation Board, six years on the board of directors of Gambrill Gardens Methodist Retirement Home in St. Louis and had been an active member of Altenthal-Joerns American Legion Post 158 Auxiliary.

Also a member of the New McKendree United Methodist Church, where she served on the church administrative board, taught Sunday school and served as Sunday school superintendent, she was past president of the United Methodist Women and the Dorcas Circle.

On June 21, 1948, she married the Rev. Joseph Wagner who preceded her in death on March 6, 1972. She and her husband served churches in Salisbury, Fulton, Hannibal and Sikeston.

Survivors include: three daughters and sons-in-law, Rebecca and David Burns of Memphis, Tenn., Patricia and Marty Corcoran of St. Louis and Mary Esther and John Farris of Springfield; and seven grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by one sister, Verla Piepenbrok.

Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Cracraft-Miller Funeral Home in Jackson.

Services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday at the New McKendree United Methodist Church with the Rev. John Rice officiating.

Burial will follow in the Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.