Dr. Bob L. Wagner

Bob L. Wagner, aged 76, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2021, surrounded by his family. Bob was born on August 30, 1944, in Duncan, OK, and raised in Abilene, TX. He studied and played football at Baylor University, where he met his future wife, Sandra Collier. As an undergrad, Bob studied pre-med for 3 years. After being called to the ministry, he changed his major to English. He later went on to earn his Master of Divinity (MDiv) from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and his Doctor of Ministry (DMin) from Luther Rice College & Seminary.

Bob and Sandra were married on June 17, 1966, in Nashville, TN, at Park Avenue Baptist Church. With Bob's career as a minister, the couple lived in many places serving the Lord, until Bob was called as head pastor for Second Baptist Church in Marion, IL, in 1980. Bob preached at Second Baptist for over 30 years, retiring in 2011. He continued to serve as interim pastor at various churches in Southern Illinois. Bob and Sandra have spent the last 40+ years as active members of the Marion community.

Bob enjoyed gardening, football, and reading, but his real passion was for missions, spending a few weeks each year in the Ukraine beginning in 1993. Bob helped start several churches and shared the gospel with thousands of people in the region.

Bob loved his family and was blessed to have 3 children, 7 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren, with 3 more on the way.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra Wagner; his son, Joe Wagner (Cristie Wagner), of Du Quoin, IL; his 2 daughters, Heather Ditty (Jay Ditty) of Saginaw, TX, and Stefanie Daniels (Eric Daniels) of Lucas, TX; his 7 grandchildren, Robert Wagner (Megan Wagner), Christian Wagner (Jennah Wagner), Lindsay Sissom, Meghan Ditty, Jackson Ditty, Meredith Ditty, and Parker Daniels; and his 6 great-grandchildren, Charlotte Wagner, Annabella Wagner, Madeleine Wagner, Holland Wagner, Caroline Sissom, and Penelope Sissom.

He was preceded in death by his great-grandson, Macsen Wagner; his mother, Tommye Louise Wagner; his father, Robert G. Wagner; and his brother, Gerald Wagner.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 22, 2021, from 5.00 pm - 7.00 pm at Second Baptist Church in Marion, IL. Additional visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the funeral service. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 23, 2021, beginning at 10.30 am at Second Baptist Church, Marion, IL. For more information, please reach out to Binkley-Ross Funeral Home at www.binkleyross.com or via phone at 1-618-997-7771.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to New Camp Ministries for Ukraine Missions.

Funeral/Burial

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 22, 2021, from 5.00 pm - 7.00 pm at Second Baptist Church in Marion, IL. Additional visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the funeral service. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 23, 2021, beginning at 10.30 am at Second Baptist Church, Marion, IL. For more information, please reach out to Binkley-Ross Funeral Home at www.binkleyross.com or via phone at 1-618-997-7771.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to New Camp Ministries for Ukraine Missions.