Jonah Wagoner

The unimaginable has happened. 

 Jonah Dean Wagoner passed away suddenly on January 31, 2026, leaving his family gutted and his friends bereft. He brought nothing but joy to his parents, Kelly and Shannon, and his big sister, Jordy, when he was born on September 17, 1993. 

 He was the beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, stepson, uncle, friend, cousin, and confidant of a host of people who cannot imagine life going on without him.

 Jonah grew up in Mesquite, Texas, and graduated a scholar from North Mesquite High School in 2012. He attended the University of Texas at Austin, focusing more on winning two world championships on the UT Quidditch team than he did on his studies. It brought him joy. 

 Although Jonah loved Star Wars, the Texas Longhorns, dogs, bad movies, and food, he saved his obsession for the Texas Rangers. Along with other long-suffering, lifelong fans, Jonah wept when the Rangers finally won the World Series on November 1, 2023. He always said his favorite day was the World Series Parade in Arlington on November 3, 2023. Tens of thousands of fans coming together in triumph was the ultimate to heal a broken Rangers' heart of so many losing seasons.

 Surely, we will all awaken from this nightmare. Until then, Jonah-who was preceded in death by grandparents Charles and JoAnn Wagoner, Leo Ware, and uncle Pat Wagoner-leaves father Kelly Wagoner of Mesquite; mom and stepmom, Shannon Wagoner Worley and Debbie Worley of Grand Saline; big sister, Jordy Wagoner and spouse Marla Davis of Taylor, Texas; brother Elijah Broughton and wife Anisa in Terrell, Texas; loving and supportive partner, Alyssa Woolley of Rockwall, Texas; heartbroken grandmother, Mavis Ware in Mesquite, Texas; aunts and uncles Casey and Shelly Wagoner; Steve and Joanna Ware; Michael and Barbara Wagoner; Betsy Wagoner; Tanya Pullen; and Shellie McBride; nephews Samuel Davis, Isaiah Broughton, and Josiah Broughton; many cousins; and too many friends to count. 

 Jonah loved fiercely and deeply and was unerringly loyal. He was the kindest soul who would help anyone. He was dependable, responsible, perfectionistic (maddeningly so at times). Full of fun, mischief, pranks, and harmless misbehavior, his reputation was legendary. 

No one should be surprised that Jonah's generosity of spirit and his care for others continued after his shocking death. Jonah was an organ donor and his lungs, liver, and kidneys are already pumping away and giving new life to four lucky and ecstatic recipients. He also donated his corneas so someone could see and tissue for victims of burns and accidents. We expect them all to suddenly turn into diehard Ranger fans. 

 A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Community Life Church in Sunnyvale, Texas. Jonah hated to dress up, so please honor him by wearing something that reminds you of him. His favorite things included the Texas Rangers, Star Wars, dogs, the Texas Longhorns, and kindness and equality for all humanity.

 If you would like to make a donation in memory of Jonah Wagoner, please consider The Trevor Project, the MISD Education Foundation, or The Dog Ranch Rescue in Anna, Texas. If you wish to send flowers, Windsor Florist in Mesquite, Texas, is coordinating. Jonah would be thrilled if you would consider becoming an organ donor. 

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