Wilmer Leroy Wilson, 86, of Elm Mott, passed away Friday, February 13, 2009 at his residence surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be 10AM Monday, February 16th at First Baptist Church of Elm Mott with Rev. Jody Gossett officiating. Full military graveside services will follow at Waco Memorial Park. Visitation will be 2 to 4PM Sunday, February 15th at Lake Shore Funeral Home, 5201 Steinbeck Bend in Waco. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online Guest Book at www.LakeShoreFuneralHome.com.
Leroy was born on the family farm in Runnels County, TX to Max Clinton and Mary Ailene (Stallworth) Wilson. He married Fern Bradford on June 15, 1946 in San Angelo. He was a part of the Greatest Generation and served his country proudly during World War II in the Philippine Islands. He was captured on Battaan/Corrigor and spent over three years in a Japanese POW camp. He retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1961 then pursued a career as an educator for the Texas state prison, high school and college systems, finally retiring from TSTI in 1984. He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Elm Mott, Alcoholics Anonymous, Waco X-POW Chapter 1 and V.F.W.
He was preceded in death by a son, Brad Wilson; parents; four brothers, and one sister.
Survivors include wife of 62 years, Fern Wilson of Elm Mott; sons, Donald Wilson and wife, Lucye of Kenai, Alaska, Jerry Wilson and wife, Carol Weeks of Austin, and Steven Wilson of Elm Mott; daughter, Mary Margaret Kerr and husband, Ben of McGregor; seven granddaughters, five grandsons and three great grandchildren. He was Sonny, Sweetheart, Daddy, Pop, Buddy, PaPa, Uncle Leroy, Leroy and Mr. Wilson. He was loved.
Pallbearers will be his three sons, his son-in-law, and friends, Bob Davis and Jack Dodd. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Waco X-POW Chapter 1.
Heartfelt thanks to our Providence Hospice team: Bobby, Sandra, April, Merry, Dione and Dr. Nick Schwedock.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Elm Mott or Providence Hospice.
Print Obituary & Condolences
Aunt Fern
We were heart sick to hear about the loss of Leroy–Our trips to Dallas and Arkansas won’t be the same, we always tried to come by and visit you and Leroy..I will miss seeing him and visiting as we always did–Good lord willing Christy and I will be by in july 09 (hopefully with the rest of the family) on our way to Ark .. I know Leroy would want you to continue this earthly journey and live for the living.. May God bless you and all your family…
Christy and Billy Dean
Mr. Wilson was the best neighbor during the time that I lived next door to him on Charles. Watching him work in his garden & seeing him and his wife drive by coming home always smiling and waving. I am sorry for your loss. What a terrible loss. He will be missed
To Mrs. Wilson and Family,
I am very sorry for your loss; please know that I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless You All.
May beautiful memories give you strength at this difficult time. Although we know at such a time there’s little we can say. We want to let you know that you are in our thoughts today.
Fern, it goes without saying how much I loved Pop. He was an inspiration to me for as long as I have known him. He was a man of dignity, of honor and a man of God. I will miss him.
Joyce Read
Sharing in your sorrow and keeping you in thought and prayers at this difficult time. May it help to know that others care and are thinking of you. May your memories and faith keep you strong. Blessings! Kathy N.
So sorry to learn of the loss of your husband, father, and grandfather. He was many things, different to each of us who remember him and loved him. He was a precious child of God and a gentle spirit. He will be greatly missed.
It was such a pleasure to meet your sweet husband and father. What a wonderful picture and tribute to his life. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of his last week..It was truly an honor. I am so pleased that he was able to spend his last few days at home, with his family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers!
Blessings to all of you-
Sandra Earles RN- Providence Hospice
Dear Mary Margaret and Family:
We send you our heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your loved one. Our prayers will be with you during this difficult time. Shirley and Mac McPherson