John was a Newville High School graduate, and was an Air Force veteran of WWII. John retired from Amp, Inc., Carlisle after nearly 30 years of service and was formerly employed with Zeigler's Moving & Storage, also of Carlisle. He was a member of the First Church of God, Carlisle and a life member of the Carlisle Elks Lodge. John enjoyed collecting local post cards.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 61 years, Ruth E. (Gossard) Wagner, one son, SSgt (Ret) Steven L. Wagner, US Army (and his wife, Kokimi) of Carlisle, one daughter, Melinda K. Crawford (and her husband, George) of Mt. Holly Springs, five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. John was preceded in death by one brother, Thomas R. Wagner.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 26, 2011, in the Ewing Brothers Funeral Home, 630 South Hanover St., Carlisle, with Rev. D. Alan Mathna officiating. Burial will be in Westminster Memorial Gardens, Carlisle. A time of fellowship will immediately follow the burial at the First Church of God, Carlisle. A viewing will be held from 6 - 8:00 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to First Church of God, Carlisle or to the American Cancer Society.