BRADSHAW, W.Va. — The McDowell County community was shocked Wednesday to learn of the death of longtime community leader Keith Wagner. Wagner, 61, died Monday night at the Charleston Area Medical Center. He was admitted to the hospital after complications developed while he awaited bypass surgery.
“This was his favorite day,” said longtime friend and co-worker Mitchell Estep. “This is Wednesday and he would always stand in the hallway with a little camel and he’d tell the kids ‘Hump Day! It’s Hump Day!’ I miss him when I think about that.”
Estep first met Wagner in 1979. Estep was the football coach at Iaeger High School and Wagner became the school’s band director. Over time their friendship blossomed. They were members of the same church. Their wives worked together and their children grew up together. Eventually when Iaeger consolidated with Big Creek to form River View High School, they both went to work in the brand new building.
“The unique thing about Keith was he got to see both sides of the world,” Estep said. “He was a Big Creek guy. That’s where he went to school, but when he got older he worked at Iaeger all his life. When they went together it was a win-win for him.”
Wagner was the school’s driver’s education instructor and had a genuine love for the school, the community, and its people.
“I think that’s one of the reasons he got into politics. He was so supportive,” said Estep. “He was such a fine man and a real asset to the community. He’s going to be sadly missed.”
Wagner served in the state Senate from 1989-1996 and later served as deputy Commissioner of the ABCA.
He was a big backer of the West Virginia Mountaineers, the Tennessee Volunteers, and the Cleveland Browns.
Estep referred to Wagner as “Ole Waggie” and said his greatest moment may have come last month when the Pride of West Virginia performed during the pre-game of the River View vs. Mount View football game. Wagner was instrumental in bringing the band to McDowell County as they headed to Atlanta for the WVU vs. Alabama game. Estep said Wagner was offered the chance to direct the WVU band in the National Anthem.
“The band director and the president from WVU asked if he’d like to do it, so he came down and directed them, it was awesome,” Estep said. “It’s more profound now than when it really happened when you consider the circumstances.”
Funeral services for Wagner are set for Saturday at River View High School. Family visitation will be from 10 a.m -11 a.m. The public viewing is scheduled from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. Funeral services are scheduled for 1 p.m. and the burial will take place in Bluefield, Virginia.