Robert James Wagner, 79, of Taylorville passed away at 10:30am on Saturday, September 10, 2016 in Memorial Medical Center in Springfield. He was born on January 23, 1937 in Christopher, Illinois, the son of James E. and Helen J. (Porvaznik) Wagner. Robert graduated from Taylorville High School in 1954. He was a US Air Force Veteran with the Strategic Air Command.  He married Linda Larimore on August 7, 1965 in Bement and they recently celebrated 51 years together.  

He retired from Peabody Coal Company and was a member of the Christian County Sherriff’s Auxiliary, American Legion, and United Mine Workers of America.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping, especially in Missouri. 

He is survived by his wife Linda Wagner; sons: Mark Wagner (Cindy) and David Wagner (Shanon), all of Taylorville; grandchildren: Cassie Rush (Brandon), Savanah Dunn, Sidney Wagner, Sarah Wagner, and Samuel Wagner; great grandchildren: Ryleigh Rush and Kaden Rush. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, September 15, 2016 at St. Mary Catholic Church with Msgr. David Lantz officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 5 until 7pm at McClure Funeral Home. Burial will take place at Glen Haven Memorial Gardens in Taylorville.  Memorials may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church or to the donor’s choice. McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is handling arrangements. Condolences to the family or memories of Robert may be shared online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com