Robert C. Wagoner

Robert (Bob)Charles Wagoner, 82, of Sinking Spring, passed away on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at The Reading Hospital. Born in Harrisburg, Robert was the son of the late, Jacob E. Wagoner and Zelma R. (Wells). Robert was a graduate of Wilson High School, class of 1962. He enlisted in the US ARMY after graduation and served in the 3rd US Infantry Regiment, known as The Old Guard, based at Fort Myer, VA. He participated in the funeral of President John F. Kennedy as well as countless other military funerals at Arlington National Cemetery.

Following reenlistment, Staff Sargent Wagoner learned the Vietnamese language and trained as a Jungle Warfare Expert at Fort Sherman in Panama. He served as a Military Adviser, serving with the Fifth Special Forces Special Operations Group, as part of the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, (MACV-SOG Operations) training and leading South Vietnamese soldiers in the field. He earned two Bronze Stars with “V” and a Purple Heart. He was also awarded the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal and two Vietnamese Gallantry Cross Medal citations.

After his military service, he worked as a Locomotive Engineer for Penn Central, Conrail, and Norfolk Southern railroads for forty years. He was the loving husband to Cynthia M. (Sychtenz) before her passing, on April 24, 2018.

Bob is survived by his son Rob Wagoner, his wife, Anna, and grandson, Max, of Ellicott City, Maryland, daughter, Barbara Young of Palmyra, PA, her three children and five grandchildren. He is also survived by his older sister Barbara Bimson of Lancaster, PA, brother, Jeffery Scott Wagoner, of Naperville, IL, six nephews and two nieces. He was preceded in death by his younger sister, Sharon Miller of Narvon, PA.

Robert was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church of Sinking Spring for many years.

Memorial service for Robert will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 10:00 AM in St. John’s Lutheran Church, 4125 Penn Ave. Sinking Spring, PA 19608. Inurnment to follow in Haines Church Cemetery. Relatives and guests will be received in St. John’s Lutheran Church, on Saturday, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hope Rescue Mission of Reading, PA.

Bean Funeral Home, Sinking Spring has been entrusted with arrangements, online guestbook and condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com