JASPER, Texas — An 80-year-old man who was hit and killed by a vehicle in front of a Jasper Walmart was coming up on his 50th wedding anniversary, and his wife was by his side when the deadly incident took place.
"My husband would usually sit in the truck and just wait for me, but I had shopped around for just a few items," Sally Wegner, Frank’s Wegner wife, said. "I wasn't in there very long, and he needed to come inside, so he did."
Related: 79-year-old man charged in death of 80-year-old man hit by vehicle in front of Jasper Walmart Sunday
Frank Wegner died Sunday afternoon. Sally Wegner said they had just left the store through the main front door and were crossing the pedestrian crosswalk when her husband was hit.
"This fella just didn't yield to pedestrians, and it was tragic," Sally Wegner said. "Now I don't have a husband, and he has ruined the rest of my life."
Charles Erderly, 79, of Newton County is charged with criminally negligent homicide in Frank Wegner's death. Erderly has since been released on a $7,500 bond.
Frank Wegner leaves behind his wife, two children and six grandchildren. His loved ones described him as a man who would do anything for his family.
"My kids don't have a father," Sally Wegner said. "Even though they are grown up, he was still their father. A good example for them, and he won't see the grandkids grow up. It's appalling."
Frank Wegner was a United States Army Veteran who served during the Vietnam War. His loved ones described him as an amazing father and grandfather.
"He was the kind of Dad who built forts and tire swings for his kids when we were little," Aaron Wegner, Frank Wegner's son, said. "He was a hard worker and a great role model for us boys. He was a doting grandfather and he would have done anything for his kids and grandkids."
Sally Wegner feels the deadly crash not only took the love of her life but also robbed her husband and family of many precious moments together.
"He had a 7-month-old new grandbaby," Sally Wegner said. "He won't even get to see her first birthday."
Sally Wegner is encouraging everyone to hold their family and loved ones close because, "it can happen in a heartbeat that they will be gone."
Frank Wegner was a Blanco native who loved cars, boating, traveling and exploring rural Texas towns. His loved ones described him as a great handyman and said he enjoyed dancing to Big Band music.
Frank Wegner will be buried with military honors Saturday, March 11, 2023 at Memorial Oaks Cemetery in Houston at 1 p.m. A celebration of life will be held at the Stringer & Griffin Funeral Home in Jasper on Friday, March 10, 2023 at 4 p.m.
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This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.