Virgil Wagster, 88, of Harviel, Mo., died Wednesday, June 9, 2004, at the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center North Campus.

He was born June 30, 1915, in Clay County, the son of Rev. John and Rilley Boyd Wagster.

He was united in marriage to Nancy Dunbar in 1952. She preceded him in death on Jan. 25, 1991.

Mr. Wagster was a resident of Harviel for 49 years, prior to that he lived in Broseley, Mo. He was a member of the Lone Oak General Baptist Church. He joined the Coast Guard in the late 1930's. When World War II began he was transferred to the Navy. After serving in the Navy, he moved back to Butler County and went to work at the V.A. Medical Center in Poplar Bluff as a plant operator in the engineering division. He retired from the center in 1969. He also farmed and raised cattle.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by one daughter, Judy Wagster; his parents, Rev. John and Rilley Wagster; one brother, John Franklin Wagster; and one sister, Leona Aldrich.

He is survived by one sister, Moreda Glass of Brosley; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Friday, June 11, 2004, at the White-Sanders Funeral Home in Fisk, Mo., with Rev. Jim Sanders officiating. Burial followed in Brown Chapel Cemetery.

White-Sanders Funeral Home of Fisk, Mo., was in charge of the arrangements.