Herman P. Wilson, 88, of Raymore, Missouri, passed away on May 10, 2013, at Research Medical Center. Herman was born on September 29, 1924 to Andrew Jackson Wilson and Lillie Mae Goodner Wilson and grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Herman served in the U.S. Army from 1944 through 1946, including service in Europe in World War II, and was recalled to active service during the Korean conflict from 1950 through 1951. Between his stints in the military, Herman attended Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, Tennessee, graduating with degrees in English, Music and German. Following his final discharge from the military, Herman obtained his Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy in English from the University of Tennessee, after which he pursued his passion for teaching. Herman first taught English at Carson Newman in 1956 and then served as the head of the English Department at William Jewell College from 1957 through 1966. In 1968, Herman moved to Kirksville, Missouri, where he served as a Professor of English at Northeast Missouri State University for 22 years. Herman was known and admired by his students at William Jewell and Northeast Missouri State as an excellent and demanding professor. In retirement Herman pursued his passion for the arts and his love of literature and opera. He volunteered for many years at the Unicorn Theater, where he would read and evaluate scripts submitted by aspiring playwrights. Herman is survived by his children and their families: Bret G. Wilson (Christy; Rachel and Emily), Myra L. Svoboda (John; Andrew and Dane Olsen), and Dr. Hal B. Wilson. He is preceded in death by his granddaughter, Erin Andra Wilson. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, 1725 Holmes Street, Kansas City, MO 64108. Herman requested no funeral and donated his body to the University of Kansas for medical education and research. Herman would like for you to celebrate his life by being at peace and happy. As Herman would say, “Cheers!”
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