John Alexander Wangler

John Alexander Wangler (Wang) passed from this life on to his eternal home on June 20, 2017 at his home in Plano, Texas. John was born on July 14, 1988 in New Jersey (on top of Texas soil) to his beloved mother, Cindy Wangler. Even though he was an only child, he was a very precocious child, learning to walk and talk at a very young age. John lived briefly in Alabama then ten years in New Mexico but he always considered Dallas as his home.

Family and friends recalled John as being funny, sarcastic, loyal, brave, very patriotic, being extremely driven to succeed in every endeavor he attempted, and yes, he was irreverent. His given name was John but many of his friends called him Wang. John’s talents were exhibited in his ability to play the guitar and he lettered in high school in every sport and in every year he participated. John enjoyed coaching little league football teams, shooting and keeping in shape with his running regimen. Just like the Marines, the Griffins Rugby Team became another set of brothers for John, and they were a very important part of his life.

John joined the Marines in 2007 and was deployed to Iraq in 2008 where he completed over 200 combat patrols throughout the Al-Anbar province. The following year he deployed to Afghanistan, where he led mortar missions as the adjusting gun squad leader. He also commanded a six-man vehicle checkpoint that implemented security measures and registered the local population. As a result of his service and leadership, he was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon, a Presidential Unit Citation, the Afghanistan and Iraq Campaign Medals as well as numerous other medals and commendations.

After returning to civilian life, John redirected his commitment to the college classroom, first attending Collin College where he received his Associates degree. He was elected president of The Student Veterans of America. An organization devoted to helping student veterans reenter all aspects of civilian life. He went on to attend The University of Texas at Dallas where he was a senior. He also volunteered as a mentor in the new Veterans Welcome and Resource Center there on campus. Additionally, John was one of only three student veteran advisers where he planned and hosted events to honor the sacrifice of our service members. John, as a result of his valiant service to his country, he was awarded the 2013 Congressional Veteran commendation for the Third District of Texas.

John became an Ordained Minister so he could officiate the weddings of two of his Marine brothers, and was scheduled to perform a third wedding in the fall.

He is survived by his mother, Cindy Wangler of Frisco, TX; his maternal grandparents, Stiles and Dale Roberts of Frisco, TX; and his maternal uncle, H.O. McClure of Texarkana, TX. The Wangler family includes grandparents, several aunts and uncles and many cousins all across the country.

John was loved while he was here with us on earth, and he will continue to be loved through time and all eternity.