Title
Robert Zander “Bob” Wagner, Class of 1961
Subject
U.S. Air Force veteran
Creator
n/a
Source
Obituary collected by College Advancement
Date
4/7/2021
Format
text
Text
Robert Zander “Bob” Wagner, a U.S. Air Force veteran and long-time resident of Poquoson, VA, died peacefully on Sunday, March 28, 2021, at the age of 81.
Bob was born in 1939 in White Plains, NY, to Arno and Gertrude Wagner. He attended Gettysburg College, where he was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. In 1961, he joined the U.S. Air Force and served in the Vietnam War. After a career of 21 years as a navigator and F-111 weapons system officer, he retired with the rank of Major in 1982. For his outstanding service, he received numerous awards and commendations, including the Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and Distinguished Flying Cross.
A devoted citizen of his community, Bob lived in Poquoson, VA, for 42 years. He was a member of Christ the King Episcopal Church and the Poquoson Lions Club. He also supported a number of charitable causes and groups, including the armed forces, Gettysburg College students and alumni, and wildlife conservation. He enjoyed attending bible study groups, fishing, volunteering, and traveling. Family and friends remember Bob as a man of good character for his congenial nature, deep sense of loyalty, perseverance, and unconventional wit.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Arno and Gertrude, and niece, Tracey Lister. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Bobbie, children, and grandson. [Names removed from this section by Special Collections and College Archives.]
Bob was born in 1939 in White Plains, NY, to Arno and Gertrude Wagner. He attended Gettysburg College, where he was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. In 1961, he joined the U.S. Air Force and served in the Vietnam War. After a career of 21 years as a navigator and F-111 weapons system officer, he retired with the rank of Major in 1982. For his outstanding service, he received numerous awards and commendations, including the Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and Distinguished Flying Cross.
A devoted citizen of his community, Bob lived in Poquoson, VA, for 42 years. He was a member of Christ the King Episcopal Church and the Poquoson Lions Club. He also supported a number of charitable causes and groups, including the armed forces, Gettysburg College students and alumni, and wildlife conservation. He enjoyed attending bible study groups, fishing, volunteering, and traveling. Family and friends remember Bob as a man of good character for his congenial nature, deep sense of loyalty, perseverance, and unconventional wit.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Arno and Gertrude, and niece, Tracey Lister. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Bobbie, children, and grandson. [Names removed from this section by Special Collections and College Archives.]
Original Format
Online obituary, through College Advancement research