Matthew Thomas Wagner

"Matthew (Matt) Thomas Wagner, 57, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away on September 7, 2026.

Matt was born in Rockville, Maryland, and was the beloved husband of Kumiko Wagner. He was the son of the late Robert Wagner and Connie Wagner, and brother to David Wagner and Dan Wagner. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Wenda and Jill, and his nieces and nephews, Rachel, Mike, John, Ben, and Emma.

Matt was a kind, loving, positive, and creative person whose warmth touched the lives of everyone around him. He had an exceptional sense of humor and a genuine kindness that made people feel comfortable and valued. He faced many difficult circumstances and obstacles throughout his life, but he never allowed them to defeat him. Matt remained positive, strong, and determined, often finding a way to make those around him feel better even when life was difficult for him.

Above all, Matt loved his wife, Kumiko. Their life together was at the heart of who he was. He loved spending time with family and friends, enjoying good food, listening to music, and playing guitar. Matt was an excellent guitar player and took great pleasure in music. He was also deeply loved by his two cats, who were an important part of his family.

Matt’s extensive knowledge of military history, geography, and world events was another defining part of his personality. He loved sharing what he knew, especially when it gave him an opportunity to affectionately taunt his older brother, Dave, and his nieces and nephews. His family will remember his quick wit, his endless knowledge, and the laughter that came from his ability to turn almost any conversation into a competition.

Matt’s determination extended far beyond his intellectual pursuits. Despite his injury and the physical challenges he faced, he remained active through road training in his Quickie 2 wheelchair. As his brother Dan could attest, the strength required to fly down hills in that chair, along with Matt’s iron will to do it, showed that he never lost his competitive streak. His determination and tremendous willpower were unmistakable. Matt refused to let the limitations imposed by his injury determine what he was capable of doing.

Matt also built a remarkable career in the world of combat flight simulation. He began working in the field in the 1990s and eventually became a Senior Producer at Eagle Dynamics, where he played an important role in the development of DCS World and its community.

Known throughout the flight simulation world as “Wags,” Matt became a familiar and trusted voice to an international community of combat flight simulation enthusiasts. His extensive knowledge of military aviation, history, and geography, combined with his ability to explain complex subjects clearly, made him an invaluable part of the community.

For decades, Matt shared his knowledge and passion through instructional videos, tutorials, product demonstrations, and his work helping players understand and enjoy increasingly sophisticated flight simulations. His calm manner, deep knowledge, attention to detail, and willingness to help others earned him tremendous respect. The flight simulation community came to know him as far more than a producer. He was a mentor, teacher, colleague, and friend to people around the world.

The response to Matt’s passing from the worldwide combat flight simulation community reflected the depth of his impact. Colleagues and enthusiasts remembered his calm demeanor, kindness, knowledge, and dedication. For many, Matt helped turn a passion for military aviation into an experience they could share with others. His work touched people across the world and left a lasting mark on the community he loved.

Earlier in his career, Matt worked for the federal government, where he dedicated himself to protecting things he believed were important.

Matt will be remembered for his loving nature, wonderful sense of humor, kindness, bravery, creativity, and unwavering positive attitude. He faced challenges that would have overwhelmed many people, yet he continued to find reasons to enjoy life, compete, create, learn, laugh, and bring happiness to those around him.

He was deeply loved by Kumiko, his family, his friends, his colleagues, his two cats, and the worldwide community he became such an important part of.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A small private service for the family will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of their loved one to the American Spinal Injury Association.

Donations may be made online at: https://asia-spinalinjury.org/make-a-donation/

Donations may also be mailed to:

• American Spinal Injury Association
• 9702 Gayton Road, Suite 306
• Richmond, VA 23238