Otto Wagner Jr.

Yorktown, Va. – Col. Otto Wagner, Jr., USAF, Retired accepted his final assignment and flew away to Heaven on Friday January 12, 2024.
Otto enjoyed a life well lived and will be remembered with love and respect by so many. He lived an increditable 101 years and had a life of achievement and adventure.

He was in the military for 32 years. As a pilot he flew B-24 Bombers in World War II, then instructed stateside in fighters. In 1949 he flew the C-54 in the Berlin Airlift then P-51 in post war Germany. He flew a variety of planes in Vietnam as part of the Air Force test units. He also flew in several events with the Air Force Thunder Birds. At the time, he was an instructor and squadron commander with the Air Force Top Gun School at Luke AFB, Arizona. During his career he flew 24 different military aircraft.

He completed his career as Deputy Chief of Staff of Intelligence for Tactical Air Command at Langley Air Force Base. A position he had for 6 years.

Otto continued to instruct young people to fly at the local military installations (aero clubs) and helped many who couldn’t qualify as military pilots, achieve their dreams.

Otto is survived by his wife Gladys two daughters, Susie W. West and Debbie A. Pedersen. His step children, Audrey H Isbell, Cynthia H Hunter and Gregory Hankla (Stephanie), a combined family of 10 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Steven O. Wagner and grandson Dustin Creighton along with his brother, sister, and parents.

A celebration of life will be held Yorkminster Presbyterian Church on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 11:00 AM. A reception will follow in the church social hall. Donations may be made in Otto’s name to the charity of your choice.
Arrangements by Amory Funeral Home, Grafton, Va.