MICHAEL BRUCE WAGGONER

MICHAEL BRUCE WAGGONER, 52, passed away on Monday, March 15, 2010, 4 a.m., at M.D. Anderson Hospital, Houston, Texas, after a short but courageous battle with cancer. Born Aug. 25, 1957, at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne, he was the son of Felix and Doris Waggoner. He attended school in Fort Wayne until his family moved to Knapp Lake. There he attended West Noble High School, graduating in 1976. After high school, he went on a cross country scholarship to Michigan Christian College in Rochester, Mich. While there, he was named to the Outstanding Young Men of America in 1978, graduating with an Associate Degree in Science. Continuing on, he entered Freed-Hardeman University on a cross country scholarship and received a Bachelor's Degree in Communications as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing. Upon completion of his education, he started his career at Dubois Chemical Company then on to Western Water Systems and finally an 18 year tour of employment with Eco Labs. All of his positions involved sales and service of chemicals and industrial water treatment equipment. He excelled at his work, winning numerous national awards. In 1997 and in 2000, he was second in the nation as a water care specialist. He was also named Mid-South Budget Buster of the Year. He was a devoted son, brother, uncle, father, and husband. "He always had a smile on his face and could always make you laugh." At the age of 14, he accepted Christ as his Savior and was baptized while attending Camp Indogan, by Brother George Welker. "He was faithful to the end. He will always be remembered as being honest and a man of his word, winning the respect of both friend and client. He had a big heart, helping care for his elderly in-laws, adopting the boys and providing for his family. He was always more concerned for the welfare of others than his own. He will be greatly missed by all." He is survived by his wife of 12 years, Meladie of Germantown, Tenn.; two sons, James of Fort Knox, Ky. and Jimmy of Germantown, Tenn.; brother-in-law, Mel of Memphis, Tenn.; mother, Doris Waggoner of Kimmell, Ind.; one brother, Larry of Kimmell, Ind.; one sister, Debra (Jimm) Nidlinger of Terre Haute, Ind.; nieces and nephews, Jared and Cason Nobles of Dyersburg, Tenn., Gina (Mark) Ernst, Jimm Jr., Cody, Christian, and Jayme Nidlinger, all of Terre Haute, Ind., Chris (Angie and Tori) Waggoner of Roanoke, Ind.; and extended family and friends, Kerry Nidlinger of Terre Haute, Ind., Dennis and Sherry Nidlinger (Brett, Jeff, Jon and Tara) of Fort Wayne, Cheryl and Mike Person of Houston, Texas, Kevin Daymon of Michigan, and Mike and Debbie Bireley of Terre Haute, Ind. He was preceded in death by his father, Felix Waggoner; brother, Rick Waggoner; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Mel and Addie Belle Nobles of Germantown, Tenn. Funeral service is 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Yeager Funeral Home, 1589 Lincolnway South, Ligonier, with Minister Dave Phillips of Germantown Tennessee Church of Christ officiating. Viewing is from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Burial will follow service in Thorn Cemetery, Ormas, Ind. with a dinner immediately following at the LaGrange Church of Christ, LaGrange, Ind. Memorial service is 4:30 p.m. Sunday, March 28, 2010, at the Germantown Church of Christ, Germantown, Tenn. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions may be made to Germantown Church of Christ Building Fund, 8723 Poplar Pike, Germantown, TN 38138. Arrangements by Yeager Funeral Home, Ligonier. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.yeagerfuneralhome.com