Gary Edward Wagner, 86, of Bedford, Indiana, passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at his home.

Born June 28, 1940, in Salem, Illinois, he was the son of the late Carroll and Clarabelle (Williams) Wagner. Gary graduated from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois, where he earned a degree in Zoology.

Gary was a former professional baseball right-handed pitcher who played in Major League Baseball for the Philadelphia Phillies and the Boston Red Sox from 1965 to 1972. Following his retirement from baseball, he traveled throughout the country working in the remediation and environmental cleanup industry, including Superfund projects. He later retired as Safety Director for the City of Seymour.

He was of the Christian faith and was an avid golfer who enjoyed playing at Otter Creek Golf Course.

Gary married Freddie Jean Jackson in Bridgeport, Illinois, on December 23, 1961, and she survives in Bedford.

Survivors include his wife, Freddie Jean Wagner; three sons, Gary L. Wagner, Sean A. Wagner, and Craig E. Wagner; seven grandchildren, Stefan, Joi Mei, Kelley, Gary E., Hunter, Grant, and Jackson; a brother, Tommy; and a sister, Kay.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, James and Mike Wagner.

Johnson Funeral Home is honored to assist the family of Gary E. Wagner, and online condolences may be given at Johnsonfh.net.