Mr. Henry James Wagner

Henry James Wagner, 87, passed away on Tuesday, September 17, 2019, at his home in Houston, Texas. Henry was born on February 15, 1932 to Laura Roberts Wagner and Calvin Wagner. He was the fourth child born of twelve children. Henry Wagner graduated from Rockwall High School in Rockwall, Texas. He served many years in the U.S. Air Force. Upon discharge from the Air Force, he enrolled in and graduated from Prairie View A & M University. While at Prairie View, he met the love of his life, Earnestine Bryant. They married on September 12, 1959, in Beaumont, Texas. After his marriage to Earnestine, they returned to Prairie View, where he received his Master’s Degree. 

Henry Wagner was the first African American director of the Texas Rehabilitation Commission in Texas. Henry was the first African American male to graduate from South Texas College of Law. After graduation, he opened his own law firm. He also had a love of sales and helping other people to achieve their dreams. For almost ten years, he and his wife were Executive Directors with We Care, a skincare company, where they were very successful and had a large downline of distributors. 

He is the author of Memories Echoing Through the Wind, which he finished while in the hospital. It is a story that chronicles his family history from slavery and through his life. 

Henry was a very involved father to his children, ensuring that he was in attendance at the events, games, and activities that his children were involved in. He was active in his church, serving as a deacon at Greater St. Matthew Church. 

Henry is survived by his wife of 60 years, Earnestine Bryant Wagner; daughter, Annetra (Adrian) Piper; son, Fred (Serena) Wagner; daughter, Tonja (John) Jackson; son, Kevin (Shanedria) Wagner; grandchildren, Nicholas (Tynera) Piper, Lanisha Tibbs, Phillip Piper, Shannyn (Troy) Rock, Jarvis Jackson, Tarrick Wagner, Tylan Wagner, Shelby Wagner, Kevin Wagner, II, Brian (Susan) Thomas, Essie (Jacob) Contreraz, and Dwayne Thomas; great-grandchildren, Tori Piper, Madison Mayo, and Mason Mayo; sisters, Margie Barkley, Mamie Gilyard, Johnnie Fore, and Artisha Brown; in-laws, Mae Helen Blackwell, James (Francis) Bryant, Arthur (Sarah) Bryant, Barbara (Weston) Sennet, and Gary (Hilda) Bryant; and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Calvin and Laura Wagner; son, Dwight; brothers, Lucious Wagner, Wille B. Wagner, King Solomon Wagner, Benny Wagner, Calvin Wagner, and Dual Wagner; and one sister, Retha Mae Townsend. 

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