Mel Wilson 87, of Columbia, MO passed away Friday, November 18, 2022 at Boone Hospital Center. Private services will be held at Memorial Funeral Home 1217 Business Loop 70 West Columbia, MO 65202. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Kiwanis Club of Columbia P.O. Box 158 Columbia, MO 65202.
Mel was born December 19, 1934 in Hartsburg, MO to Lloyd and Lena Wilson. On February 8, 1958, he married Alicia Wilson at the United Church of Christ in Hartsburg. Mel played basketball for Ashland High School Eagles and held the point’s record for 14 years. For 4 years he served in the US Air Force, and spent 3 of those years deployed in Europe. After he returned from his military service he started working for Shelter Insurance, where he continued to work a job he loved for 43 years. Mel was also a member of the Columbia Kiwanis Club and contributed many volunteer hours. His great love in life was spending time with his family and friends who will miss his kind and gentle presence.
Mel is survived by his wife of 64 years, Alicia; his brother, Jim; sister, Gertrude; son, Richard; and daughter, Carol; grandchildren, Katie, Michael, Christopher, and Daniel; along with a loving extended family and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Lena; a brother, Wayne; and a son-in-law, Robert Little.
