Billie Jo Leggett Wagner, 92, passed away peacefully at her home in Cuero on Sunday, August 3, 2025, surrounded by all of her children. She was born on September 10, 1932, in Goliad to Otis L. and Mary Jane (Shaw) Leggett.
After graduating from Cuero High School, Billie married the love of her life, Walter Robert “Bob” Wagner. Following a brief honeymoon in Corpus Christi, they moved to Colorado, where Bob served in the U.S. Air Force. Upon completing his service, the couple returned to Lindenau, Texas, and began a dairy farm. When years of drought made farming untenable, they relocated to Austin—Billie caring for their newborn son, Reed, while Bob pursued a business degree at the University of Texas. On the very day of his graduation, Bob’s father passed away, prompting their return to Cuero to help operate the family business. Today, Wagner’s Hardware celebrates over 80 years of service, now in the capable hands of Reed and Beverly Wagner.
Billie was a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews. She delighted in large family gatherings filled with laughter, storytelling, and meaningful connection.
Her warm smile and gentle spirit made everyone feel at home. Billie was the heart and soul of her family—always encouraging kindness, compassion, and thoughtfulness. She wasn’t shy about sharing her perspective, especially when she believed it needed to be heard.
A woman of strong faith, Billie served the First United Methodist Church of Cuero with dedication. She was a member of the church council, the board of directors, the LIFT ladies’ group, and the choir. She also taught Sunday school and founded Kid’s Club, an after-school outreach where she provided transportation, snacks, homework help, and heartfelt friendship to children in need.
She loved to read—particularly history and fiction—and tended her flower gardens with the same care and joy she shared with others. She appreciated the beauty of God’s creation and never failed to find wonder in each new day.
In their later years, Billie and Bob traveled together often, sometimes joined by dear friends. She held a special affection for Big Bend’s vast serenity and the charm of the Hawaiian Islands. Yet her favorite destination was always their beach house in Port O’Connor, where she loved beachcombing, fishing, and spending long, sunlit days on Sunday Beach. Another cherished place was their farm in Lindenau, where wildflowers flourished and she enjoyed watching the cows and calves roam through the pasture.
Above all, Billie’s life reflected gratitude—for family, for faith, and for the blessings of each moment. We were blessed to have her, blessed to know her, and blessed by her wisdom—whether we asked for it or she knew we needed it.
Billie was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 63 years, Walter Robert Wagner; her sisters, Dorothy Fay Leggett Kirkwood, Blanche Shaw Leggett Goldsum, Grace Lufburough Leggett Gips, Lorna Leggett Reese, Lois Evelin Leggett Fischer; and her brothers, William Raymond Leggett and Ralph Douglas Leggett.
She is survived by her sons, Robert Reed Wagner and wife Beverly of Cuero; Walter Richard Wagner and wife Angelia of Boerne; and daughter, Sandy Wagner McCampbell and husband Ward of Corpus Christi. She also leaves behind grandchildren: Sara Courtney McCampbell Smith and husband Nowery-John “Boo” of Corpus Christi; Elizabeth Jane McCampbell, Margaret Katherine McCampbell, Krista Faye Wagner Colyer and husband Aaron Thomas of Wimberley; Robert Clayton Wagner and wife Jenny Lane of North Carolina; Abigail Jewel Wagner of New York City; Analiese Elaine Wagner of Austin; and great-grandchildren: Sarah Grace, Rebekah Faye, and Zadok Aaron Colyer; Nowery John Smith IV “Cuatro” and Walter Ward Smith.
Serving as pallbearers are Clayton Wagner, Nowery-John Smith, Aubrey Feril, Otis Leggett, Dee Leggett, and Doug Leggett. Honorary pallbearers include Chuck Fischer, Mark Fischer, Dan Fischer, and Mark Mabrey.
The family offers heartfelt thanks to Billie’s cherished caregivers, who became dear friends: Sylvia Castaneda, Oralia Maldonado, Nancy Herrera, Geralyn Trevino, Rose Castaneda, and Janie Baron. Deep appreciation is also extended to the compassionate nurses of Hospice of South Texas for their support during Billie’s final days.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Freund Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 PM, with a time of food and fellowship immediately afterward at the Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum, 302 North Esplanade in Cuero. A private family burial will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the Cuero Community Foundation, c/o David Kleinecke, Cuero National Bank, P.O. Box 889, Cuero, TX 77954, or to the charity of your choice.
