Wilford Wilson

Wilford Willie Wilson age 81, of Neodesha, Kansas died Wednesday, May 8, 2002 at his home in Neodesha, Kansas. Cremation has taken place, Graveside Military Services will be held on Friday, May 10, 2002 at 2:00 p.m. at the Neodesha Cemetery under the direction of the Loran Fawcett Funeral Home. The family has suggested memorials to the Neodesha New Beginnings Enterprises or the Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice and contributions may be left at the Loran Fawcett Funeral Home. Mr. Wilson was born in Blue Jacket, Oklahoma October 28, 1920 to Walter and Josie Burris Wilson. Willie attended schools in Parsons, Kansas. On June 10, 1941 in Girard, Kansas Willie married Beulah Mae Hardman and she survives of the home. After their marriage they moved to Neodesha, where Willie opened up the ACME Cabinet Shop, with the late Mac McCullough, until 1958 at which time he started up his own business, Wilson Construction Company in Neodesha, Kansas. In 1985 he sold out his business and retired at which time he spent hunting, fishing and helping his wife raise some of the grandkids. Mr. Wilson entered the United States Army in November of 1942 during World War II. He received an honorable discharge in December of 1945. Willie was in combat for over 2 years in the Northern Sohoman Islands, Guatelcansh and Luzon During which time he received many combat metals including the purple heart, infantry badge, bronze and silver stars. After his discharge he returned to Neodesha, where he went back to work at the cabinet shop. Besides working at the cabinet shop and construction work Willie enlisted in Neodesha Kansas Army National Guard until April 1950 to April 1951 Battery B 195th Field Artillery Battalion. On May 1, 1951 his unit of the Kansas Army National Guard was called to active duty, during the Korean Conflict War. Willie and the other member of his unit was sent to Army Base at Ft. Lewis, Washington. He was the unit Motor Sergeant. He was discharged from active Army December 4, 1952 with the rest of his members still with this unit. On December 5, 1952 was inactivated from Regular Army and sent back to Neodesha still with the same unit. Willie was with this unit at Neodesha, until September 1955, at which time he was discharged. He held the Rank of E-7, First Sergeant. Willie was a charter member of Roy Newberry V.F.W. Post 5962 in Neodesha, also its first Commander, also was a life member with over 50 years of membership. He was also a member of Anti-Horse thief Association, Thayer, Kansas, Neodesha Masons Lodge 94 for 40 plus years, original member of the Neodesha Avenue of Flags, and Mr. Wilson served as Neodesha Utility Commisioner April 1987 to April 1989. Survivors include his wife of the home, One son William W. Wilson of Chanute, Kansas, and one daughter Janet Ford of Neodesha, Kansas, three sisters Dottie Turner and Mary Oamp;Hara of Oswego, Kansas and Betty Anderson of Winfield, kansas, five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.