John "Skip" Wagnon

John “Skip” Wagnon, of Edmond, died from an apparent heart attack on June 24, 2015, and went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was born May 29, 1946, to John P., Jr., and Lorene Wagnon in Cushing. After spending his elementary years in Drumwright, he was a standout in basketball and all-conference quarterback in football at Hominy High School. He was active in Key Club, Letterman’s Club, Student Council, and the yearbook staff before graduating in 1964. After a year at Oklahoma State University, he attended the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO, then Central State College) and earned a bachelor’s degree before attaining a master’s at the University of Oklahoma. He also served in the Oklahoma National Guard. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother CoRene Wagnon of Hominy, and his high school sweetheart and wife of nearly 47 years Harriett Wagnon. He is survived by daughter Jenny Wagnon-Monroe of Edmond, son Stan Wagnon and wife Jill of Frisco, Texas, grandchildren Wesley and Mackenzie Monroe and Devin and Hannah Ramirez of Edmond and Abby and Macy Wagnon of Frisco, sister-in-law Kenna Bergren and husband Scott of Edmond, brother-in-law Gerry Lay of Hominy, sister-in-law Sarita Brown and husband Dennis of Broken Arrow, aunt Donna Jarrett and husband Bob of Norman, uncle Don Carnahan of Norman, aunt Ruth Ann Reese of Sand Springs, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and other loved ones. Skip retired from UCO in 2003 after more than 30 years with the university, starting as head athletic trainer in 1971. He served as executive director of the Alumni Association and Foundation before settling into a 17-year career as athletic director and golf coach. He played an instrumental role in UCO’s transition from NAIA to NCAA Division II in the late 1980s. UCO’s athletic teams flourished under his guidance, capturing eight national championships and 28 conference titles during his tenure. As golf coach, he led the Bronchos to eight national tournaments and coached 13 NCAA All-Americans, including the school’s first-ever individual national champion. He was active in several national committees and served as chair of the NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Committee and on the Golf Coaches Association of America Board of Directors. Respected as a leader in small college athletics throughout the state and nationally, he was voted into both the UCO Athletic and Oklahoma Athletic Trainers Halls of Fame and the Lone Star Conference Hall of Honor. He continued to be a loyal supporter of all Broncho teams and had missed only two home football games in the past 40 years. He expressed his love for family in telling others of his children’s accomplishments, caring for his beloved grandchildren, and relishing opportunities to travel and play golf. Since 1971 he was a member of Henderson Hills Baptist Church, where he served as deacon for many years and more recently volunteered with baptisms. His family and friends wish to recognize his unwavering devotion to Harriett during her two-year battle with cancer. Donations in memory of Skip can be made to the UCO Foundation, Attn: Stampede Club, 100 N. University, Box 133, Edmond, OK 73034.