John W. Wagner

John W. Wagner, 94 of Zanesville, died 6:40 PM, Monday, June 21, 2021, at Primrose Retirement Community.  He was born Thursday, November 11, 1926, in Zanesville, the son of Dale O. Wagner and Clotilda ”Cloe” (Archer) Wagner. He married Rita M. (Malone) Wagner on Saturday, April 23, 1949, and was a member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church.

John served his country with the United States Navy during both World War II and the Korean Conflict. During World War II, John served aboard the USS Birmingham in the Pacific Theater.  He received the Purple Heart for his bravery in the Pacific onboard the Birmingham. John retired in 1989 from Armco Steel as a pipe fitter after 36 years of service and was a member of the K of C Council #505.  John enjoyed fishing, hunting and working in the yard. John “lived one day at a time” and “that’s a fact!”

John is survived by three children: John W. (Linda) Wagner II of Zanesville; Rosemarie (Chris) Gobeli of Delroy and Melanie (Lin) Avendano of Zanesville; thirteen grandchildren; nineteen great grandchildren; one sister: Joanne  Andrews of Zanesville; and one daughter-in-law: Pam Wagner.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his wife:  Rita M. (Malone) Wagner who died on Dec. 9, 2006; one son: Timothy D. Wagner; one daughter Genevieve Wells; one great grandchild; three sisters:  Rita, Mary Ellis, and Marguarite Mangin and two brothers James Wagner and Dave Wagner.

Friends may call from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, Sunday, June 27, 2021, at the Hillis, Combs & Nestor Funeral Home, 935 Forest Avenue, Zanesville, where a Christian Vigil will be held at 6:45 PM.  Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated 10:30 AM, Monday, June 28, 2021, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 945 East Main Street, Zanesville, with Fr. Martin J. Ralko as Celebrant. John will be laid to rest in Mt. Olive Cemetery with the United States Navy, VFW Post 1058 and American Legion Post 29 conducting full military honors. To sign the online register book or to send a personal condolence note please visit www.hilliscombsnestor.com