John Myron Wilson

This past summer, John and his wife, Doris, moved into assisted living at Amavida. Before their move, they had lived at Cross Creek off Daniels Parkway since 1993. For years, John had looked forward to retiring in Florida. He and Doris enjoyed life at Cross Creek and befriended many of their neighbors. John played golf and rode his bike, and along with Doris was involved in the Ohio Club and liked to play pinochle and bingo at the clubhouse. With Doris, he enjoyed doing volunteer work in the community, including with the Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau and Meals on Wheels. He also was involved at his church, Gateway Trinity Lutheran.

John was a proud Buckeye, having grown up in Ohio and earned his master’s degree at Ohio State. He and Doris later moved to Michigan where they raised their daughters. They remained loyal to Ohio State even though they lived in the shadow of The Big House. In helping them pack for their move to assisted living, their daughters were surprised by just how many buckeye nuts spilled out from the bottom of various tins and containers. John and Doris liked to keep them around for good luck.

John was born April 30, 1932 in Buffalo, New York to Albert and Loretta (Eickmeier) Wilson. His family moved to Columbus, Ohio shortly before WWII, where his father started the welding department for Curtiss-Wright. John earned his bachelor’s degree from Capital University.

He proudly served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War era. Following graduation from Ohio State, he started his career as a history teacher with positions in junior high and high schools in California and Ohio. He spent most of his career as a professor at Schoolcraft College in Livonia, Michigan, gaining a reputation as a dedicated, talented instructor. He retired in 1993 as professor emeritus.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Doris (Young) Wilson, and daughters Wendy Wilson of Nashville, Tennessee, and Laurie Wilson of Jersey City, New Jersey. He is also survived by a loving sister-in-law, nieces and nephews, and cousins.

A service will be held at Gateway Lutheran Church on Saturday, Oct. 7 at 11:30 a.m., with visitation beforehand at 11 a.m. A reception will follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Gateway Lutheran Church, Hope Hospice, or the charity of your choice.