Ardith Neal Wagley

Ardith Neal Wagley died peacefully on August 4, 2021, at age 81. He was born on August 19, 1939, to Ardith Willington and Mary Lou Wagley in Farrenburg, Missouri. He has lived in Sikeston, Missouri, since 1986 after his retirement from the United States Air Force with the rank of Colonel in 1984. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Dorothy Wagley and children Ardith Neal Wagley, II of Dallas, Texas; Deborah Lynn Wagley of Atlanta, Georgia; and Christopher John Wagley of Dallas, Texas; granddaughter Ellie Wagley of Denver, Colorado; and sister Wanda Raper, also of Sikeston. He was preceded in death by his infant daughter Ellen Paige Wagley. The visitation and funeral will be hosted at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel on Saturday, August 7, beginning at 10:00am with funeral services following at noon. A private burial will be held on Monday, August 9 at 10:00am with full military honors at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery located in Bloomfield, Missouri.

The family suggests memorial gifts be made to Children’s Home, Inc. in Paragould, Arkansas. Neal’s ongoing support and love for the work of the nonprofit was demonstrated by his personal commitment to donate all of his pocket change, combined with a greater annual donation to support this charity. In the spirit of his commitment, attendees at the funeral services may donate their pocket change as a gift to the Children’s Home. Your generosity will be matched by the Wagley family as a memorial gift honoring Neal.

Neal was raised on a farm outside of Matthews, Missouri, marrying his high school sweetheart Dorothy Jean Stewart of Sikeston in 1958, while both were attending the University of Missouri. Upon graduation, with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Neal joined the United States Air Force. In 1969, he also earned a Master of Science with a major in meteorology from Saint Louis University.

Hallmarks of his distinguished 24-year military career in the USAF included service in the Vietnam War, where he earned the Bronze Star for meritorious service in a combat zone. Other honors included selection to attend the Army War College, graduating in 1980, and accolades for his contributions to the development of Doppler radar and projects related to NASA. Colonel and Mrs. Wagley happily resided wherever stationed around the world. Upon retirement, they returned to Sikeston, Missouri, which has been home for 37 years.

Following his retirement from the military, Colonel Wagley’s civilian life was busy with multiple roles in the business sector. Many community members will recall his managerial duties with Sikeston Concrete and Brown Sand and Gravel, Delta Ford New Holland and his residential and commercial real estate business. However, he will be best remembered as meteorologist Neal Wagley of Pure Country 106.1 FM. As part of the Cousin Carl morning show, “Cuz’ and the Colonel” would keep listeners entertained while providing essential weather forecasts tailored to the local farming community. This allowed him to stay close to his agricultural roots and to the hardworking farmers for which he had enduring respect. Meteorologist Neal Wagley was known throughout the region for his outsized personality and radio show antics, which was a source of true joy in his retirement years.

Though his military life allowed him to serve his nation, his most closely held values reflected local care, compassion and concern for his neighbors and friends. A lifelong member of the church of Christ, Colonel Wagley prioritized growing small churches wherever his career took he and his family to spread the love of Christ. Upon his return to Sikeston, he and “Miss Dottie” were members at Shady Acres Church of Christ and later at Matthews Church of Christ, where he served in leadership positions as well as a beloved Bible teacher throughout the decades.

Neal was the epitome of a servant leader, possessing the wisdom and strength of a leader with the heart and humility of a servant. He lived his life in service to God, serving his community, his church and, especially, his cherished family and friends. His enduring legacy will be felt by all of those who knew him and were touched by his kind spirit and gracious nature.

Online condolences may be shared at www.nunneleefuneralchapel.com