John Wayne Pfannenstein

John Wayne Pfannenstein, 68 of Fayetteville, passed away on Monday, October 22, 2019 at the V. A. Hospital Hospice Center.

John was born May 25, 1951 in Huntsville, Alabama to the late Melvin E. and Donna M. Pfannenstein.  He walked in the boot steps of his father into a career as a Soldier. At 17 years of age he was ready for Army life and to taste the world. John left Glen Burnie Md. going to Ft.Bragg joining the Airborne. He served in Vietnam with several different units, a Paratrooper with the 101st and 173rd, an Infantryman with the Americal, 25th and 1st Division, a Door Gunner and Pathfinder with the 1st Aviation Brigade and the 281st Assault Helicopter Company, plus Special Forces. John was presented with many accolades and awards in his 24 year career, two of his most cherished  were the Combat Infantry Badge (CIB) and his Pathfinder Badge.  As a young man he served three combat tours consecutively while being wounded several times which did not inhibit his career or life choice.

The 1st Sgt did his 24 years retiring here at Ft.Bragg, NC. John was too young not to continue working and he begins a new career as a JROTC instructor. John spent 23 years in that role and enjoyed teaching young students the skills for life. 

John Wayne Pfannenstein whether he was a soldier or a civilian made many friends.  He was always helpful, dependable, funny and a great friend to many. 1st Sgt Pfannenstein was a casualty of Vietnam suffering the effects caused by Agent Orange. 

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Funeral services will be held in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date with full military honors.

He leaves behind his most favorite thing, his grandson, Benny; his much loved daughter, Deanne Brenes and husband Michael and his beloved wife of 46 years, Mary.  He is also survived by his siblings, Melvin (Lori) Pfannenstein, Allen Pfannenstein, Linda (Don) Jones, Gail (Marco) Gulotta, Shelia (Dave) Juba, Nancy (Bryan) Smith; sister-in-law, Helen P. Griffin and several loved nieces and nephews.

John will be missed by his dear friends of 36 years, Robert and Melody Wilson.

The family would like to express their deepest appreciation and love to Dr. Dawn Conquest and the staff of the CLC unit of Ramsey St. VA Hospital. Your compassion and constant attention to Mr. P’s every need means more than you can ever know.

Arrangements by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St. Fayetteville, N.C. 28301

Online condolences may be made to www.jerniganwarren.com

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