Mr. Charles "Sonny" Connell Wilson

Hahnville -- Charles Connell "Sonny" Wilson, 80, died at the Ormond Nursing & Care Center on September 13, 2023. Born on April 8, 1943, to the late Connell Woodrow Wilson and Angelina Josephina Culotta Wilson, he grew up in Leesville but settled in St. Charles Parish.

Charles graduated from Leesville High School, Class of 1961. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration (1964) and juris doctorate from LSU (1968).

Charles married Nancy Tregre Wilson on June 4, 1966. After law school and a brief stint in private law practice, Sonny joined the FBI as an agent in 1969, serving in Yuma, AZ, and Los Angeles, CA. Upon returning to Louisiana, Charles resumed his law practice and worked as the Police Planning Specialist for the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement, where he was responsible for drafting the Peace Officers' Standards and Training (POST) law that was adopted by the Legislature. In 1980, he was elected and took office as Sheriff of St. Charles Parish. As he said, “One term was about all the Parish could stand of my good government.” During his time as Sheriff, Charles attended the National Sheriffs' Academy at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Charles’ career routinely focused on performing serious investigations related to national security issues. Sonny served as an Investigator for the Waterford III Nuclear Plant, the Tennessee Valley Authority Nuclear Construction sites in Tennessee and Alabama, and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Strategic Petroleum Reserves in Texas and Louisiana. Even after he retired, he continued performing background investigations for purposes of government security clearances. Charles also assisted with the operations of the family business, LA Gourmet Enterprises (Mam Papaul’s dinner mixes), founded by his wife and held for 30+ years. He was proud to partner with his son in practice law at Wilson & Wilson, LLC.

Charles taught law enforcement and criminal justice courses at Louisiana State University, Northwestern State University, and Xavier University in New Orleans. He belonged to various civic organizations including the Hahnville Lions Club, Council 2409 of the Knights of Columbus, St. Charles Parish Chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police, the Former Special Agents of the FBI, and was presently serving on the Board of the Arc of St. Charles.

Charles was a devout Catholic, a voracious reader, and an avid marksman. He loved to travel and especially enjoyed exploring sites of his genealogical history in the United Kingdom and Sicily. He often found delight in visiting quirky roadside attractions and obscure destinations. He enjoyed discussing history and politics and had a great memory of historical details.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy Tregre Wilson; his loving son, Tregg Connell Wilson, Baton Rouge; his three devoted daughters Angela Marie Wilson, New Orleans; Charlena Wilson Thornton (James), New Orleans; and Nanette Marie Wilson, Metairie; his grandchildren Madelyn Grace and Riley Alexander, Baton Rouge; Charles William and Terry Ann Elizabeth, New Orleans; his sister, Florence Endris (Bill), Anacoco; and numerous loving cousins, nephews, nieces, and godchildren. He was devastated by the recent loss of his beloved oldest sister, Annie Rose Wilson Cryer.

A Memorial Service will be held for Charles “Sonny” Wilson on Thursday, September 21, at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary in Hahnville, LA, with visitation at 8:45 a.m. and mass at 11:00 a.m. The burial will be at the Holy Rosary Cemetery in Taft, LA. The repast will follow at the family home.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.WestsideLeitzEagan.com for the Wilson family.