Valentine Clifford Wagner

Valentine Clifford Wagner, 74, of Great Falls, passed away on September 30, 2019 surrounded by his loving family. A Memorial service will be held on Friday, October 18, 2019 at Croxford Funeral Home in the Rose Room Chapel at 2:00 PM.

Cliff was born on July 22, 1945 in Pittsburgh, PA to Valentine J. Wagner and Evelyn M. Wagner. He was raised in Bridgeville, PA, graduating from Chartiers Valley High School. After graduation Cliff joined the Airforce and after completing basic training was stationed at Clinton Sherman AFB in Burns Flat, OK. It was here that he met the love of his life Barbara Lee Wagner (Neal) and on January 30, 1966 the two were married in Henryetta, OK. They had their first child, a son, in 1967. In 1969 he was sent to serve in Vietnam. Returning home in 1970 the family was stationed in Plattsburg, NY where they added a daughter to the growing family. In 1975 Cliff was retrained in missiles and stationed at Malmstrom AFB where he would retire from a 20 year enlisted career followed by a 23 year civil service career with Rivet Mile. He was regional manager for 19 of those years, overseeing the entire state of Montana.

Cliff served his country proudly and was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Outstanding Unit Award, The Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon, NCO Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the AF Space Command’s Logistician of the year in 1997, and the Outstanding Civilian Career Service Award. After his retirement his finest achievement was being awarded by his neighbors in Spring Tree, Best Neighbor Award in 2009.

After the move to Montana Cliff developed a love for camping, especially with lifelong friends the Cashman and Jordon families. He loved fishing and hiking, once taking a seven day hike in the Bob Marshall with his son. When not camping he loved bowling and softball. His Softball team was “Touch of Country”, with many summers spent touring Montana with his team.

Cliff leaves behind his wife of 53 magical years, Barbara Lee Wagner; son, Clifford James Wagner; daughter, Shelly Lynn Wagner; grandchildren, Colton, Daniel, Evan, and Genevieve; great-grandchild, Karter.

He goes on to join his parents, Valentine J. Wagner and Evelyn M. Wagner; sisters, Cathy Lewellyn and Linda Marchesky.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.croxfordfuneralhome.com.

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