Sparta- Carl E. Wagner, age 88, passed away at home late Tuesday evening July 21, 2026, with his wife and family close by following an extended illness.

He was born in Dansville on October 13, 1937, at the Eagle Hotel, and was a son of the late Claude Henry and Evelyn Louise (Maples) Wagner. He was also predeceased by his son John Wagner and brothers Larry and Ronald Wagner, sister-in-law Marge Wagner, Stepfather Everett McNinch, Mother-in-law and Father-in-law Isabel (Gunther) Joseph Jakubaszek, Father-in-law Lenwood Rider, Niece Jade LaForce, and son-in-law Jim Priestley. On November 4, 1978, he married Sarah Rider Wagner.

Surviving in addition to his wife Sarah, are two daughters Dawn Priestley (Larry Atwell), Carleen (Rick) Fletcher, a daughter in-law Pamela Wagner and a stepdaughter Tammy Sylor Malone; brother Lewis Wagner, brother-in-law Lenwood (Kathy) Rider, sisters-in-law Denise Jakubaszek (Joe Chase), Desiree (Gerard) Watkins, Dawn (Joe) LaForce, three grandchildren Katie and Josh Wagner and Everett Malone; Step grandchildren, Stacy (Jim) Mack, Angela (Dan) Hughson, Elizabeth (Patrick) Moran, and Bambi (John) Akright, and several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Carl graduated from Dansville Central High School Class of 1956. He was an all-around athlete. He was on the first Dansville Little League softball team. Carl earned his Varsity D as a junior in basketball, played tennis and racket ball and seldom lost. He was in several bowling leagues and trap leagues.

In early years Carl worked at Foster Wheeler, Craig Colony at Sonyea, and retired as a Lieutenant in the police department at SUNY Geneseo. He was a member of the Dansville Moose Lodge, and instrumental in forming the Livingston County Trap League where he served as secretary treasurer for 10 years. Life member of Mt Morris and Springwater Sportsman's Clubs.

After retirement he had time to spend on his trap shooting game and traveling in his motor home to shoots around the country. While wintering in Florida at the Silver Dollar Trap and Golf club he picked up golf, but trap was his real love. He taught his son, and grandson Josh, and most recently his grandson Everett. He was always happy to give tips to other shooters, but only if they asked.

His wins are too numerous to list, but he was most proud of winning Grandparent and Child in Livingston County League with his grandson Josh, seeing grandson Everett break his first 25 straight and winning NYS Husband and Wife in 1995.

Inducted into the NYS ATA Hall of Fame in 2006, He was a five time All American Trap Shooter team member. He was on the NYS Men's team several times and represented NYS at the Grand American in the Champion of Champions several times.

When he wasn't shooting he took pride in keeping his yard looking just right, he was also a skilled wood worker as is evident in the many pieces in and around his house. He crafted a bed for his grandson, among other pieces, many of which will be treasured by his family, especially the toy boxes he made.

He loved his family and hosted many gatherings when living on Conesus Lake and at his present residence.

Friends may call Wednesday July 29, 2026, from 4 pm to 7 pm at the Hindle Funeral Home, Inc.

271 Main St., Dansville. Interment will be in Greenmount Cemetery, Dansville at the convenience of the family

In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to the Sparta Center Fire Dept. 8479 Reeds Corners Rd., of Dansville, NY 14437. Or to the Livingston County Sheriff's Children's Program, Geneseo NY. Or a charity of your choice.