Chaplain Michael Dean Wilson

Chaplain Michael Dean Wilson was born on March 18, 1955, in Huntsville, Alabama to Robert L. Wilson and Dorothy Battles Wilson. He was raised in Ypsilanti, Michigan, in a Christian household, and graduated from high school in 1973. Chaplain Wilson attended Eastern Michigan University (1973-74) and enlisted in the United States Army on June 30, 1975. While enlisted, he served in the Field Artillery and was assigned to Fort Knox, Kentucky; Fort Sill, Oklahoma; Republic of South Korea; and Fort Riley, Kansas. As a Specialist Forth Class Colonel Wilson was Honorably Discharged on June 30, 1977.

Chaplain Wilson graduated from the University of Michigan in May of 1981, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. As an ROTC Cadet, his goal was to become an Army Chaplain. Shortly after leaving military service, Chaplain Wilson recommitted his life to Christian service. Commissioned a Second Lieutenant, Chaplain Wilson was granted an educational delay of active service in the Army to attend seminary at Saint John's Provincial in Plymouth, Michigan.

Chaplain Wilson was licensed to preach by First Baptist Institutional Church of Detroit, under the pastoral leadership of the Reverend Howard B.M. Fauntroy Jr. Chaplain Wilson transferred to Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, IL, in 1983. On December 30, 1984, Chaplain Wilson was ordained by First Baptist Institutional Church. Chaplain Wilson graduated from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary on 24 May 1985. He was ecclesiastically endorsed by the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc. that same year, and entered the US Army as a chaplain on October 29, 1985.

Chaplain Wilson's assignments included: Troop Brigade Chaplain, Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana, 1985-87; Battalion Chaplain, 1st Battalion 503rd Infantry Regiment, Republic of South Korea, 1987-88; Battalion Chaplain and Protestant Pastor, 42nd Field Hospital, Fort Knox, Kentucky, 1988-93; Chaplain's Officers Advance Course, Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, 1993; and Group Chaplain, 41st Area Support Group and Protestant Pastor, Republic of Panama in 1993-94. In his military career, he served in Germany, Republic of South Korea, Panama and the Pentagon.

Chaplain Wilson was also a Hospital Chaplain at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, IN for sixteen years and retired in 2015. He also held a Commercial Pilots License and enjoyed flying. His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Medal, Army Reserve Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Overseas Service Ribbon (third award).

Chaplain Wilson is preceded in death by his parents and his previous wife, Annie W. Wilson.

He is survived by his wife: Norah Wilson; Daughter: Arndrea Michelle Fletcher, Atlanta, GA; Son: Michael David (Adrian) Wilson, Livonia, MI; Step-daughters: Stephanie Rouse, Gulfport, MS; Tammie Hampton, Stacey Rouse, Nora McCann, Jr., Irah Crockett and Patrice Crockett of Indianapolis, IN; Step-sons: Tavis Hampton, Roger McCann IV, Noah Crockett, Roaman Crockett, and Matthew Crockett of Indianapolis, IN; Sister: (“favorite” and only), Felecia Wilson of Harvest, AL; Nephew: Kyler Wilson of Harvest, AL; twenty-two grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; Special Cousin: James Louis (Patricia) Wilson of Germantown, TN; Special Friends: Rev. Thomas and Janis Cobbs of Lawrence, Kansas; Grady Rice of Ypsilanti, MI; James Bond of Indianapolis, IN; Special Friends at The Folcolary Interfaith Group; and a host of Cousins, extended family and friends.

A graveside service for Chaplain Wilson will be held Monday, January 29, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Crown Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery with Rev. Thomas Cobbs, Missionary Baptist Church, Leavenworth, Kansas officiating.