Robert Lynn Wagner, 73, passed out of this life on August 29, 2026 in Green Ridge Village, Cumberland County, PA.
He was born in York hospital, York County, PA on March 30, 1953 the son of the late Robert Lemar Wagner and the late Pauline Mae (Forry) Wagner.
He graduated from Central York High School in 1971 and from Shippensburg College in 1975, with a B.S. in Chemistry. Bob also attended Michigan Technological University in Houghton, MI.
Like many others, Bob could not always find work in his chosen field and there were always bills to be paid. The positions that allowed him to use his knowledge of chemistry included: employment with Drake Chemical Supply Company in Lock Haven, PA; Dentsply in York, PA; PA State Police in Harrisburg, PA; Bob supplemented the income with work at Howard Johnson’s, York Casket Co. and Prudential Insurance.
For his entire life Bob enjoyed photography, especially wildlife photography on the many trips he took with his second wife Ann, and gardening. He also enjoyed reading books and watching TV shows, both Si-Fi and history, especially military history. After moving to Green Ridge Village, he enjoyed learning and playing Mahjongg and rediscovering his love of chess.
Bob was blessed to love and be loved by two extraordinary women, his first wife Jean Shrom (predeceased) and his second wife Ann Calhoon. He and Jean were college sweethearts who met at Shippensburg College and married shortly after graduation. They moved to Michigan, enjoyed the wonders of winter in Michigan.
Bob and Ann met while they were both working at the PA State Police Laboratory in Harrisburg, PA. She became a stabilizing force in his life. The 27 years they lived together in Shermans Dale, Perry County, PA, was the longest time he lived at one address. The 20 years he worked for the State Police was the longest time he ever worked for one employer. From this stable base, they could indulge their mutual love of travel. By cruise ship and airplane, they travelled to five of the seven continents.There were many road trips in the U.S. often including at least one theme park. Somewhere between their travels, Bob taught Ann the joys of cat “parenting” and she taught him the joys of dog “parenting”.
Bob was predeceased by his parents.
He is survived by his second wife Ann and their beloved cat “Comanche”; his sister Claudia Shanaman and her husband Victor; nieces Stephanie Reid and Wendy Chicoria; nephew Brent Calhoon; sisters-in-law, Jan Calhoon and June Mooney; brother-in-law William Calhoon.
The service will be held at Egger Funeral Home, 15 Big Spring Ave., Newville, PA. The family will greet guests starting at 1:30 p.m. The service will begin at 2 p.m. conducted by Troy Howell, chaplain at Green Ridge Village.
Interment at Newville Cemetery will take place immediately after the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests you might consider donating to the American Parkinson’s Disease Association, P.O. Box 750, Merrifield, VA 22116-9651, or to another charity of your choice in Bob’s name.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert, please visit the floral store.
