He was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Mary Garvin Wilson to whom he was born in Wheeling, (Bethlehem) West Virginia on February 18, 1929. He graduated from Morgantown High School on May 28, 1947. Received his BBA(Business Administration) degree in January 1952 from West Virginia University. He was called into active service by the U.S. Air Force in April 1952 and served in the Korean Conflict until his Honorable Release from active duty on April 8, 1956. For four years thereafter he was in the Reserves. He was employed by the El Paso Natural Gas Company, Houston, in 1956, transferred to El Paso in 1966, and, after 30 years’ service retired in 1986 as the Director of Contract Administration.
He met his wife Daphne in El Paso and was married by Dr. Kenneth Rice at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, in the Lower Valley, on January 30, 1970. Sports-minded and an avid golfer from the age of 17 he and his father played many rounds when the weather was right in West Virginia. He was a charter member of the Santa Teresa Country Club and always enjoyed the camaraderie of his fellow golfers, was delighted to have three “holes in one” and thrilled when he “shot” his age when he was 73. For many years he and his wife Daphne served as Chairpersons of the Military Host Family Program at Fort Bliss and hosted students from many countries including Greece, Taiwan, and Germany.
He enjoyed his activities with the EPNG Retirees’ Group, was a past Board Member of ”Showtime El Paso” and always ready to lend a hand to the Daughters of the British Empire when they needed help with their charitable functions. He was an excellent dancer and thoroughly enjoyed the DDD club monthly dances. He also took pleasure in playing tennis, bowling and watching basketball, football and soccer.
He was a wonderful loving husband, father, grandfather and great- grandfather, and is survived by Daphne Patricia Brooks Wilson his beloved wife of 42 years, sons John and Douglas Wilson, daughters
and husbands, Cynthia Lightfoot/Tom, Frisco, Texas,
Patricia Guthrie/Robert, Santa Barbara, California;
Grandchildren Candice Shoptaugh, Brandon Guthrie, David Guthrie,
Ashley Guthrie Freeman/Richard, and Great Grandson Colin Freeman.
Brother Robert Garvin Wilson – Wheeling, WV
Niece Sandy Marshall/John – St. Clairsville, Ohio
Niece Carol Ridgely/Paul, Wheeling WV
And many other relatives and good friends
He was a fine gentleman with a ready wit and a grand sense of humor that always served him in good stead. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him and his special smile for which his family would “walk a mile.”
”A Celebration of the Life of Richard (Dick) Wilson” will be held on Friday, March 30, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. at Martin Funeral Home West., followed by inurnment at Fort Bliss.
Officients:
The Reverend Bill Francis
The Reverend Ronald R. Thomson
Pall Bearers:
Leslie Bonnyman, Robert Guthrie, Brandon Guthrie, Tom Lightfoot,
Alden Wood, Jerry Bear, Lt. Col. (Ret) USA Dan Schulte
In lieu of flowers the family would be grateful for a donation in Richard’s memory to be made to the National Parkinson Foundation, Inc., 1501 N.W. 9th Avenue, Miami, FL 33136-1494. (Parkinson.org). Services entrusted to Martin Funeral Home West, 128 N. Resler Dr., E Paso, TX 79912. www.MartinFuneralHomeWest.com
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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