Donald Alan Wagner Sr., Boatel, 2 Dips owner

Donald Alan Wagner Sr., affectionately known as Pop-Pop, 84, of Lewes, passed away Monday, Oct. 31, 2016, at Christiana Care Health Systems, in Newark. He was born Sunday, April 24, 1932, in Baltimore, Md., son of the late Walter L. and Lydia C. (Zoll) Wagner.

Mr. Wagner was a 1950 graduate of Lansdowne High School in Lansdowne, Pa. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he honorably served his country during the Korean War aboard the USS Diamondhead. Following his service, he served the community of East Lansdowne as a police officer. Mr. Wagner worked for several years at General Electric and Farrells Plumbing & Heating before settling at Burnham Corporation. He would retire from Burnham as a regional sales manager after 40 dedicated years.

After marrying the love of his life, Christine, in 1952, together, along with his in-laws, they founded Boatel Boat Storage and New Happy Holiday Boat Sales in Lewes. Today he is proud to see the iconic Boatel be home to the next family business 2 Dips Ice Cream; as well as a place where he could display his many museum collections and share his countless stories and experiences.

In his free time, Mr. Wagner loved collecting memorabilia for his museum and writing poetry, of which he had five books published. He also was an active volunteer at Beebe Healthcare for 18 years, a member of the Lewes Men’s Chorus, the Fraternal Order of Police, the Cub and Boy Scouts of America, and the National Kidney Foundation. More than anything, Mr. Wagner loved his time spent with his family. His many stories, positive attitude and zest for life will be cherished and remembered by all who knew and loved him.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Wagner was preceded in death by his loving wife of 43 years, Christine Wagner, and his one brother, Richard Wagner. He is survived by his two sons: Donald A. Wagner Jr. and his wife Lora of Milton; and Carl L. Wagner and his wife Mandy, of Lewes; his four grandchildren: Jan Marie Turansky and her husband, JP, Chelsey Lynn Wagner and her significant other, Ryan Wharton, CJ Stephens and Robbie Stephens; and his two great-grandchildren, Talon and Joelle.

Friends may visit with the family to pay tribute to Mr. Wagner Friday, Nov. 11 from 6 to 8 p.m., at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Hwy, Lewes, DE 19958.

A Celebration of Life Reception will be held Saturday, Nov. 12 from 2 to 5 p.m., with a Service of Remembrance beginning at 3 p.m., at the Lewes Fire Department Station #2, 32198 Janice Road, Lewes.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Wagner's name to the National Kidney Foundation, 29580 Stillwood Drive, Delmar, DE 21875.

Please visit Mr. Wagner's Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.