Richard C. Wilson

Richard Carlson Wilson departed this life on September 1, 2024, at the age of 85. Born on June 7, 1939, in Evanston, IL, Richard was the youngest child of the late James and Florence Wilson. The family relocated to Chicago, where he proudly earned his high school diploma from John Marshall High School.

Richard was baptized at an early age and confessed Christ as his Lord and Savior, a faith he carried throughout his life.

Shortly after graduating, Richard voluntarily enlisted in the United States Army, where he served honorably for 20 years, retiring as a Sergeant First Class. During his distinguished military career, Richard received many commendations, including the Soldier's Medal, three Bronze Stars with V-Device for Valor, two Purple Hearts, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal with V-Device for Valor for his bravery and service during three tours in Vietnam. He was a proud tanker and member of the 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry, Order of the Golden Spur.

After retiring from the Army, Richard began his second career serving the El Paso community, breaking barriers as the first Black supervisor at Sun Metro, where he dedicated 23 years before retiring. He also proudly served as an active member of the American Legion Post 832, recently celebrating 30(+) years of membership.

On August 11, 1964, Richard married the love of his life, Christine Cottrell, in Chicago, IL. They celebrated 60 wonderful years of marriage together. From this union, they had three children—Eric, Dereck, and Theresa—and later adopted their son, Brandon.

Richard was a loving husband, father, and loyal friend who always made time for others. He was giving, thoughtful, kind, and stubborn, deeply invested in his family, friends, and community. Full of life, he was a quick-witted joker and a practical problem-solver, leaving a lasting impression on everyone he met. Affectionately known as "Flip," "Wilson," and other colorful titles, he will forever be in our hearts as "Hun," "Dad," and "Papa." Most notably, he was a great role model and mentor to many. He will be deeply missed.

Richard was preceded in death by his sister, Thelma Trammell, and brothers, James Wilson Jr., William (Goody) Wilson, Rudolph Wilson, and Alonzo Wilson.

He is survived by his wife, Christine Wilson; sons Eric, Dereck, and Brandon Wilson; Alex Darley (Las Vegas, NM); daughter, Theresa (James) Johnson; grandson, Kevin Briones (Greenville, TX); great-grandchildren, Isaiha Ortiz, Aaron Campos, and Layla Briones; nieces, nephews; and a host of relatives and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Our family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for your prayers and support during this time. We especially want to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at University Medical Center, the team at Funeraria Del Angel Hillcrest West Funeral Home, the El Paso Firefighters and EMTs, and Pastor Lawrence Vanley of McCombs Baptist Church. Your kindness has been a great comfort to us.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.

Order of Service:

American Legion Post 832 - Post Commander

Prayer - Chaplain

Welcome - Pastor Vanley

Scripture Reading – Old Testament - Pastor Vanley

Scripture Reading – New Testament - Pastor Vanley

Obituary Reading - James Johnson

Expressions (limit 2 minutes)

Eulogy - Pastor Vanley

Invitation to Discipleship

Closing Prayer - Pastor Vanley

Pallbearers

United States Army

1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry, Fort Bliss

Honorary Pallbearers

Richard Breeze Britton, Sr.

Carl Dwyer

Tommy Loyd

Samuel Mangrum

Leedonal Moore

Asher Prentice

Garland Sullivan

Edward Wyche, Jr.

Interment

Ft. Bliss National Cemetery

October 2, 2024, 10:00 AM

Escorted procession will depart Funeraria Del Angel Hillcrest West Funeral Home at 9:30 AM.