Kenneth Wagner

Kenneth Philip Wagner, 77, of Conway, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, after contracting COVID and being hospitalized in October 2023. Born May 15, 1946, in Edmonton, Alberta, Ken was the beloved only child of the late Adolph G. Wagner and Clara Mae (Singer) Wagner.

Ken’s compassionate heart, sharp mind, and silly spirit will forever be treasured by his loving wife, Jeanette Wagner; his son, Matthew P. Wagner (Tresa) of Springfield, Missouri, and his daughter, Jennifer M. Craig (Randy) of Conway. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Miles D. Wagner of Springfield, Missouri, and Samuel W. and Avra S. Craig of Conway, who will carry his love and teachings throughout their lives.

An exceptional student who routinely earned “high marks” — as his mother would say — Ken received his Ph.D. in microbiology with an emphasis on parasitology from the University of California, Irvine. He was fascinated by microscopic life on our planet.

Ken enjoyed a long, rewarding career as a professor and administrator at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock. He was the Vice Chancellor of Academic Services when he retired in June 2011 just shy of his 33-year anniversary. Ken respected and cared for his coworkers, and the sentiment was mutual. To this day, many who reported to “Wags” say he was the best boss they ever had.

A Christian who walked the walk, Ken and Jeanette were members of Calvary Baptist Church in Little Rock for more than 40 years. His life of ministry included years of teaching Sunday School and bible study; serving as Deacon Board chairman; and leading a small group for 15 years. More recently, Ken and Jeanette attended Second Baptist Church in Conway.

A Type 1 diabetic diagnosed in his teens, Ken expertly managed the disease but eventually experienced renal failure. In 2001, he was humbled when a fellow church member donated her kidney, and he underwent a successful transplant. Doctors thought the donated kidney could extend his life up to a decade. He lived for nearly 23 more years.

Ken was a hardcore hockey fan who also enjoyed golfing and bowling. Known to his grandkids as “Popeye,” he would do just about anything with them, from sculpting Play-Doh to playing mini golf to picking pumpkins. A lifelong dog lover, he relished the company of four-legged friends who would join him for naps in his recliner.

The doctors and nursing staff at UAMS were nothing short of angels who made Ken comfortable while balancing his delicate health in their decisions. The family extends a heartfelt thank you to nephrologist Dr. Sushma Bhusal as well as nurses Rovena Spurlock and Steve Sherrill. Their competence and compassion will never be forgotten.

A visitation to celebrate Ken’s life will be held Saturday, January 27, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Calvary Baptist Church, 5700 Cantrell Rd, Little Rock, Arkansas 72207. A memorial service led by Senior Pastor Scott Jackson will follow visitation at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial donations be made to Arora at www.arora.org/donatelife, the Humane Society of Pulaski County, 14600 Colonel Glenn Rd, Little Rock, Arkansas 72210, or your local humane society.