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Retired United States Army Master Sergeant Kenneth Charles Wagner, age 88, of Warren, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 11, 2026, in Raeford, North Carolina. Born on October 10, 1937, in Warren, Pennsylvania, Mr. Wagner was the son of Clarence William Wagner and Florence Madeline Wagner. The second son among Clarence's eight children, Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Arthur David and John Robert; his sisters, Sherry Wagner and Betty Anderson; his nephews, Danny and Duane; and his beloved wife of 40 years, Mary Ella. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, and coin collecting, among others.
Kenneth joined the U.S. Army at an early age and served his country honorably. He was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and later qualified through the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School before serving with U.S. Special Operations Forces, including the 5th, 7th, and 10th Special Forces Groups. Kenneth served two tours in Vietnam with Command and Control Central. His awards and decorations included the Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Meritorious Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Vietnam Civil Actions Medal, Vietnam Civil Actions Medal First Class, Bronze Star Medal with "V" Device, Parachutist Badge, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star, and nine Good Conduct Medals. Kenneth also served in Korea and several other duty assignments during his 30-year career, including as an ROTC instructor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
After his military service, Kenneth continued serving others through Family and Community Services, Division of Juvenile Justice, in Alaska, the state he loved and called home. It was there that he met his future wife, Mary Ella, on the ski slopes outside Anchorage. They shared 40 years together until Mary's passing the year prior to Kenneth's. They are now reunited eternally in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.
Kenneth is survived by his brother, Butch; his sisters, Barbara, Donna, and Marie; his nephew, Douglas Wagner; and his niece, Debbie Hilyer Haley. He is also survived by his son, Kenneth C. Wagner II, and his wife, Lara Louise Acosta; his granddaughter, Amilyn Elizabeth Wagner; his grandson, Mason Isaiah Morris; and Mary's children, Mark Riddle and Lecia Farr.
Funeral services will begin with a visitation held from 5 until 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Yancey Funeral Services where the family will receive friends and loved ones. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Eddie McMahan Cemetery in Burnsville, NC.
Dad, you were so much more than a soldier. You were a father, brother and uncle we are all so proud of. You were always dedicated to your family, friends and country. Through all you faced early in life, as well as towards the end, you remained young at heart. You cherished every opportunity to spoil and play with your grandchildren. You are deeply missed and we look forward to seeing you again one day, when we can once more share chocolates and grape sodas. Until that day comes, I will strive to honor you for the rest of my days. Rest in peace Dad.
Yancey Funeral Service is respectfully serving the Wagner family.