Don Wagnon

Don Wagnon, loving son, brother and spouse, fought a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s. Sadly, he passed at age 75. Born in Texas, Don was the son of Manford and Mary Louise Wagnon and brother of Susan Clagett. Don’s early family life involved frequent relocations in the U.S. and abroad due to his father’s fully decorated WWII military service as a bomber pilot, who was stationed at Hickam Field, Hawaii, when Pearl Harbor was attacked.

Settling in Texas, Don attended Austin High School and Southwest Texas State University (Texas State University), San Marcos, earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. His business career included Merchandise Manager and Store Manager, Frank's King Size Clothes, Inc. chain of six stores , Fleet & Auto Leasing Manager of Lute Riley Honda, and General Manager, Texas Automobile Leasing Inc. He met his wife of 39 years, Sandy, in Texas and moved to their dream retirement location, Creede, Colorado, where he became General Manager of the Creede Hotel and Restaurant, endearing everyone who met him there. After several years at the Hotel, he became a Realtor at Rincon Real Estate. Don was a true gentleman. His quiet demeanor, quick wit, wry sense of humor,  consideration of others and winning smile said it all.

But most of all, throughout Don’s life, his passion and knowledge were certainly antiques and collectibles. So much so that in early years his friends would jokingly say he would never find a woman who would appreciate his considerable collection enough to marry him. But Sandy proved them wrong. Starting his own company, S&D Trading Co, he specialized in buying and selling vintage advertising. Don enjoyed finding those perfect treasures and passing them along to others. Fortunately for him, Sandy enjoyed the hunt as well.

Don’s other special interests were music (a college DJ), classic cars, and living in such a beautiful, remote area as Creede where nature is at its best. He loved hiking the mountain trails with Sandy and their larger than life companion dogs, Blu and Artic, caring for the horses, chopping wood for the fire, and looking out the cabin window to watch a herd of elk.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and his sister-in-law, Penny (Dennis) Knuckles. He is survived by his wife, Sandra (Sandy) Wagnon, and his sister, Susan (Jack) Clagett.

His family expresses profound appreciation to the caregivers at the Valley Rehab and Health Care Center, Mancos, CO who sustained and cared for Don through his last years. Don chose cremation without services.

The family requests that any donations be made in memory of Don Wagnon to the Creede Community Church and/or the Ladies Aid Society of Creede.