Larry Wagner

25 September 1959 CFP

Our businessman of the week is one of the newer businessmen in town. He, like many others has settled here because of his confidence in the future of Cheney.

Lawrence J. (Larry) Wagner, owner of the Western Auto store, came here in April of last year from Walla Walla, and he isn't sorry he did. Even though the store is his first venture into business for himself, he has increased the volume of business several hundred percent since taking over.

Wagner feel business in Cheney has a good future. "I wouldn't have come here if I didn't," he commented. He predicted that when new sewage and water systems are installed, the population will increase even faster than it now is.

Born at Ferdinand, Idaho, Wagner spent most of his school years in the Rogue River valley, near Medford, Oregon. He attended high school near Portland.

During World War II he served with the Fifth Air Force. While still in the service, he got in a year of college at Osake, Japan, in 1945-46.

Wagner was with Sears and Roebuck in Walla Walla for nearly 10 years as manager of the hardware and electrical department. He had long hoped to go into business for himself, so he accepted the opportunity to take over the Western Auto store here.

Wagner's family includes his wife, Dorothy, a son and a daughter. The daughter, Sharon, was married less than a month ago and is making her home in Cheney with her new husband. Son, Frank, a Cheney high school student, works and boards at the Dick Camp ranch.