Shelton Howard ‘Zip’ Wagner Jr.

Shelton Howard Wagner Jr., 74, known by most as Howard and many as “Zip,” went to be with Jesus on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023, surrounded by the comfort of his family.

“He will always be remembered for his humor and big love for others. He was one of the most generous men, always wanting to give to those in need. He loved deep and you knew it if you were loved by Howard because he wouldn’t let you forget it. Being a dad and grandpa were his two favorite roles,” his family writes.

He was born on Aug. 31, 1948 in Hallettsville to Shelton and Evelyn (Chromcak) Wagner. A lifelong member of the Schulenburg community, Howard began his days at St. Rose of Lima elementary and graduated from Bishop Forest High school. Upon graduating, he received a scholarship to play football at Texas Christian University where he met his first love, the Horned Frogs. There, he met some of his dearest friends, with whom he’s shared many memories. He spoke so fondly of all his college buddies and reminisced over their many TCU games together often. After college, he began a job in social work in Galveston where he met his future bride, Mary Ellen Winchester (ME). Their passion for helping people was what bonded them and their love for fun, adventure, storytelling and laughter is what held them together. They married on Nov. 2, 1975 in Galveston. The young married couple began their life in Schulenburg so Howard could work in the family business, Chromcak Insurance, with his beloved father. He spent his whole career with Chromack Insurance and Wagner Real Estate. He served as president of the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club and Schulenburg school board and was a member of St. Rose of Lima school board. He was most proud of his service to the MHMR program, where the men’s and women’s group homes and workshop were built to service the mentally challenged in the area. Howard loved people of all abilities and was a lifelong advocate for children and adults with special needs.

Howard was a proud father to his four children, but his role as “dad” reached far beyond his biological children. He loved taking in all of their friends and treated them as his own. He had a few extra “daughters” he was always so proud of too. When he became a “Pop” 16 years ago, his heart, already so big, doubled in size. Howard loved playing with his grandchildren and sharing time with each of them. He never let his age define him and would get down on the floor and play with the youngest of them all. He also could be found challenging the older grandkids, especially his oldest grandson, to an intense game of Monopoly. He loved to play and have fun. In his last several years, his love for the Lord was an integral part of his daily life. He loved sharing his faith in Jesus with anyone who would listen. He participated in a men’s Bible study every Friday morning. He loved to talk about it and had such a deep affection for his brothers in Christ. He also participated in and loved his time with the A.C.T.S. and Walk to Emmaus communities. He is finally whole and complete in the arms of his beloved Savior, Jesus.

He was a brother, uncle, coach, friend, dad and a grandfather. His presence will be dearly missed but his memories will be cherished forever by all of those his life has touched.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Shelton and Evelyn Wagner. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Mary Wagner; his four beloved children, Josh Wagner (Macee Prause) of Schulenburg, Kacy McBride (Bart) of Schulenburg, Taylor Whittemore (J.D.) of Austin and Mary Dru Sitka (Brice) of Houston; and his seven grandchildren, Scarlett and Phoebe Wagner, Abraham and Abigail McBride, Tripp and James Howard Whittemore and Brenley Sitka, along with a baby boy on the way.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, followed by interment in the church cemetery. Rosary at 10 a.m. in the church preceded in the funeral Mass.

Schwenke-Baumgarten Funeral Home handled arrangements.