Austin James Wagoner

Austin Wagoner, 37, passed away on September 4, 2024, in Meade, Kansas along with his dog PK. He was born on June 12, 1987, in Emporia, Kansas, and graduated from Emporia High School. He continued his education at Kansas Wesleyan University, Emporia State University, and ultimately graduated from the University of Kansas.

Austin was passionate about sports, playing football throughout junior high, high school, and college, and later rugby at the University of Kansas. He also played rugby in the Kansas City, Wichita, and Topeka leagues. He had a great love for traveling, kickball and camping. In addition to his love of sports and the outdoors, Austin proudly served in the Kansas National Guard and was deployed during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He was also a talented creator, director and movie producer, he created for Rockhaven films until he started freelancing which gave him the freedom he needed.

Austin was preceded in death by his grandparents, Rosemary and Ken Kelso, Robert Wagoner, Lester B. Evans, and Pete and Millie McKenzie and Cousin Jaimie Pape. His beloved dog Zeke

Austin is survived by his grandmother, Emma Lou Millinder of San Antonio; his mother, Vicki Buttel of Williamsburg, Kansas; his father, Lester Evans; his wife, Raeann of Dillsburg, Pennsylvania; his stepfather, Eric McKenzie his wife Linda of Parkerville, Kansas; his brothers, Brandon McKenzie his wife Sierra of Manhattan, and Devin Buttel of Emporia; his sisters, Madison Buttel of Hutchinson, and Shea Eyler her husband Avery of York Springs, Pennsylvania; his stepbrother, Shawn Werle his wife Jennifer of Augusta; and his nephew, Mason McKenzie of Manhattan, Kansas.

Austin will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his dedication to service, his creative talents, and the joy he brought to everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Cremation is planned, with visitation from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at Roberts-Blue Barnett Chapel, with a celebration of life at 2:00 p.m. on September 13, 2024, at the same location. Graveside services with military honors will follow at Cottonwood Cemetery, west of Emporia. Memorial contributions to the Austin Wagoner Memorial Fund, to be designated later, can be sent in care of Roberts-Blue Barnett Funeral Home, PO Box 175, Emporia, Kansas.