Robert “Bob” Phillip Zern, 71, of Statesville, NC departed this life on January 20, 2014 at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, to join his everlasting love Hazel “Diane” Zern at Heavens gate. He was born on March 4, 1942 in Philadelphia, PA to the late Francis Zern and Catherine Sauvageau Zern.

Bob was a 26 year veteran of the United States Army. Having pulled tours in the Korean War, Vietnam War, Germany, and Panama. He served as a Drill Sergeant, Marksman, Acting Sgt. Major at Fort Jackson SC, ROTC instructor at Clarion University in Clarion PA. He retired as a Master Sergeant in 1985 in Fort Dix, NJ.

In addition to his loyal service to our country, Bob was dedicated to his family. He enjoyed playing Bingo and Bowling. He loved the Lord and telling others about the Lord.

In addition to his parents and soulmate he is preceded in death by a brother, Ronald Zern.

Those left to cherish to his memory include his son, Teddy Wayne Zern and his wife Marlena of Statesville, NC; grandchildren, Kayla, Kristin, and Megan; great grandchildren, Kami and Isiah; siblings, Francis “Frannie” Zern, Michael Zern, Joan Robertson of Philadelphia, PA, Catherine “Cassie” Bishop of Wilmington, DE, Linda Young of Bristol, PA, and Joseph “Joey” Zern of Hatfield, PA; an aunt, Gladys White of Collingdale PA; an uncle, Joe Sauvageau of Philadelphia, PA; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

There will be a Graveside Service at the Salisbury National Cemetery on January 31, 2014 at 2:00 PM , with military honors provided by the Rowan County Veterans Honor Guard and the National Guard.

Carolina Cremation of Salisbury, North Carolina is assisting the Zern family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.