NEW BEDFORD -- Samuel S. Wagstaff, 85, of New Bedford died Sunday, Jan. 4, 2004, at The Oaks after an extended period of declining health. He was the husband of Helen (Spooner) Wagstaff.
Born in Fall River, the son of the late Samuel S. and Agnes (Townson) Wagstaff, he lived in this area all his life.
While a student in high school, he was enrolled in the ROTC program at New Bedford High School.
He then served during World War II, first associated with Battalion E, 241st Coast Artillery protecting Boston Harbor. After attending OCS at Fort Benning, Ga., he was assigned to the 86th Infantry Division at Camp Howze, Texas.
Subsequent assignments were in Santa Ana, Calif., as an Air Force student, Aerial Gunnery School in Las Vegas, Nev., 8th Air Force bombardier in England and Germany and the Air Force Reserve.
In 1951, he was transferred to the Air Force Reserve and in April 1953 he joined the National Guard, serving as supply officer and motor officer. In 1962 he was made commanding officer of the 102nd Artillery Group in Fall River.
In 1965, he became associated with the 483rd Engineering Battalion at Fort Rodman and from 1970 to 1972 he was the center commander there.
He retired as a lieutenant colonel from the Army.
He was the recipient of the Good Conduct Medal, American Theater and European Theater medals, World War II Victory Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, American and National Defense medals, and Army Commendation Medal.
He was a member of the First Congregational Church of Lund's Corner. He was a member of the Wamsutta Masonic Lodge A.F. & A.M.
He had operated a driving school for many years and was curator of Fort Taber restoration a number of years ago. He was a military historian.
Survivors include his widow; a son, Samuel S. Wagstaff Jr. of West Lafayette, Ind.; a daughter, Millicent Meckowski of Dighton; four grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren.
He was the brother of the late Gladys Dupont.
His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday Jan 8, 2004 in the First Congregational Church at Lund's Corner, followed by burial in Rural Cemetery, New Bedford, Ma. Arrangements are by the Wilson Chapel, 479 County St.