Grace Allyn Mae Wagoner

On Tuesday, July 16, 2024, Grace Allyn Mae Wagoner departed this earth for her next adventure. She was born on November 1, 2005, in Austin, Minnesota, to Brad and Charity (Kilgore) Wagoner.

In a world of ordinary, Grace Allyn Mae Wagoner was a beacon of extraordinary. On a magical November morning in 2005, she made her grand entrance, defying expectations from the start. Though her mother dreamed of a Halloween baby, Grace had her own timeline to follow, setting the stage for a life lived boldly and beautifully.

From her early days in Austin, Minnesota, to her later adventures in Houston, Texas, Grace was a force of nature. Her infectious laughter and boundless empathy touched the lives of all who knew her. A champion of the underdog, she fearlessly confronted injustice and defended her friends with unwavering loyalty.

Academics may not have been her forte, but Grace’s spirit and determination knew no bounds. Embracing challenges head-on, she blazed her own trail through life, never conforming to expectations but always staying true to herself. Her high school years saw her shine in ROTC, where her leadership skills and tenacity earned her well-deserved recognition. And in a bold move during her junior year, she embarked on a transformative journey at the Texas Challenge Academy, earning her GED in a setting that matched her fierce, independent spirit.

Shortly after her 17th birthday, Grace took a leap of faith and joined the Army, where she navigated the ranks and battalions with courage and determination. Her journey took her to boot camp at Fort Jackson and advanced individual training at Fort Eisenhower. Grace was a Signal Support Specialist with HHC, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division stationed in Fort Bliss, Texas. Grace’s dedication and bravery shone brightest during her deployment in Novo Selo, Bulgaria, where she served with honor and distinction in support of USAREUR-AF Operation European Assure Deter and Reinforce.

Beyond her military service, Grace embraced a world of creativity and passion. A lover of K-Pop, Korean dramas, sushi, curry, and anime, she found joy in vibrant expressions of art and culture. In her free time, she immersed herself in video games, devoured graphic novels, and unleashed her creativity through digital art.

Grace’s legacy is one of courage, kindness, and unshakeable authenticity. As she takes her next step on this grand adventure, may her light continue to shine bright in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to know her.

Grace is survived by her parents, Brad & Charity (Kilgore) Wagoner, of Spring, Texas; sisters, Hannah Louise McDaniel of Spring, Texas, and Brittany Ann Wagoner of Summerville, South Carolina; brother, William Paul Wagoner of Spring, Texas; maternal grandparents, Daryl & Nada (Goskesen) Kilgore of Tucson, Arizona, and paternal grandmother, Marilyn Townsend of Houston, Texas, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends she made throughout her life. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Paul Townsend, and uncle, William J. Kilgore.

A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Monday, July 29, 2024 at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary with the Reverend Dale Christiansen officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 am until the time of the service on Monday.

Interment with full military honors will take place at 3:30 pm on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at Grandview Cemetery.

Arrangements by Clasen-Jordan Mortuary.