Michiel (Mike) Wade Wagar

Michiel “Mike” Wade Wagar of Nash, Okla. departed this earthly life and entered the presence of our Lord on Oct. 25, 2023. Mike lived a life deeply rooted in faith, love, and service to God. He exemplified the teachings of Jesus Christ in all aspects of his life, demonstrating compassion, kindness, generosity and unwavering faith.  
  Mike was born on January 7, 1943, to Wade and Vera (Newell) Wagar, and graduated from Nash High School in the class of 1961.  He proudly served our country in the Army National Guard 45th Infantry Division 189th Artillery from 1962 to 1967. He met his beloved Carol Ann (Smart) at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, OK, and they were married on December 20, 1964, in Deer Creek, OK. 
  He loved the land in Grant County where he grew up.  In his school years, Mike was active in Boy Scouts, 4-H, FFA, and band.  He farmed wheat and alfalfa for his entire life and received great joy in the farming process from planting to harvesting, especially watching crops grow. He received awards for his progressive actions toward agriculture and conservation and was named Honorary Chapter Farmer in the Jet-Nash FFA.   He loved raising sheep, continuing his dad and grandad’s dream until the early 1990s.  Mike had a special love for baby calves, baby lambs, and puppies. 
  Mike was a master photographer and woodworker, sharing his artistic creations across the country with friends, family, churches, and selling works in galleries. His photographs of flowers, wheat, wildlife, and sunsets were favorites, as were turning wood on the lathe and wood carving. He was a continual learner and took classes at Hone Studio in Utah and at Northwestern OSU under Dr. Jerry Brownrigg.  
  Some of Mike’s happiest times since retiring from farming were discovering the beauty that God put in a piece of wood.  He and John Wilkins shared good times together running the sawmill and said sawing into a log was like Christmas morning- such a gift to discover the design inside, burls and knots delighting him especially.
  He loved sharing wood with other woodworkers and encouraged several to try carving and turning too.  He was happy knowing his pieces grace the homes of others- either as mantels, vases, or bowls.
  Mike and Carol loved traveling together and especially enjoyed spending time with their Pinehaven friends and neighbors in Cuchara, CO, where they have had a cabin since 1980.  
  He served as a deacon, elder, chairman of the board, property committee member, search committee chair, and youth group sponsor of the First Christian Church in Nash, Okla., and on the board of the Cuchara Chapel in Cuchara, CO. He touched the lives of many through his dedication to living an exemplary life and his willingness to extend a helping hand to those in need. He was a member of the Northwest Oklahoma Woodturners Association and served on the rural water board, bank board, cemetery board, and Lion’s Club. 
  He is survived by his wife Carol Wagar, son Will and Meredith Wagar of Enid, OK, son Travis and Jill Wagar of Bentonville, AR, five grandchildren: Michelle and Josh Barnthouse of Tampa, FL, Anna and Lodge Scott of Waurika, OK, Meredi Wagar of Enid, OK, Sam Wagar of Nash, OK and girlfriend Lindy Theophilus of Alva, OK, and Wes Wagar of Bozeman, MT.  He is also survived by his sister Patti and Kent Wayman of Nash, OK, Harriet and Dallas Perry of Charleston, SC, who lived in the home as a sister for years, sister-in-law Nancy (Smart) and Kenneth Webster of Bethany, OK, and many nieces and nephews who treasure their Uncle Mike.  He is loved by many Wagar, Newell, and Small cousins, Carol’s cousins, classmates, and many friends.
  He is preceded in death by his parents Wade and Vera Wagar; an infant brother; grandparents Frank and Gertrude (Small) Wagar, grandparents Oral “Dick” and Maude (Ragains) Newell, parents-in-law Austin and Doris (Eberle) Smart, and sister-in-law Barbara and Dr. Charles “Chuck” Dohner.  
  A celebration of life and faith is planned for 2:00 pm on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023, at Nash Christian Church followed by a graveside service at New Home Cemetery in Nash, OK, under the care of Wilson Funeral Home in Pond Creek, OK.  The celebration of life and faith will be available on Nash Christian Church’s YouTube channel. Visitation with the family will be 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at the Nash Christian Church, 116 N. Main, Nash, OK.
  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Nash Christian Church Youth Group Fund or Bennie’s Barn Equine Therapy, Enid.  Wilson Funeral Home will serve as custodian of the memorials at PO Box 478, Pond Creek, OK 73766.