Fred Wilson

Fred, the only child of Frank and Josephine Wilson spent his youth in Kenton, Ohio. When Fred was in his teens, the Wilson family moved to Arizona to escape the cold and snow. While in Arizona, Fred volunteered for military service choosing the Army, and went to Fort Ord for basic training. Fred honorably served our Country as a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran where he achieved the rank of Specialist 5. His MOS was as an electronic warfare/signal intelligence Morse code receiver/interceptor attached to the Army Unit 1st Radio Research Company (Aviation), also known as the “Crazy Cats”, for six months while in Vietnam; prior to joining the Blackhorse Regiment, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. During his four years of service, he achieved the following military awards: Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation, and Army Aircrew Wings. Following his time in Vietnam, Fred served in the Arizona Army National Guard. Fred was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 4816 in Porter, Texas.

Fred accepted Jesus as his savior in his late teens. His Christ-like attitude was evident in his joyful disposition and loving, kind heart. He loved his family deeply and it is evident he was loved by family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all. Fred enjoyed volunteering his time as a basketball coach, ushering, serving during VBS, and directing traffic & parking for Easter services at Second Baptist church.

Fred took pleasure in playing dominos with friends from church. Playing golf was a favorite pastime, especially with his best friends and Christian brothers Keith and Ted. Fred was also known for his love of The Ohio State University, especially their Buckeye football team, and Coca-Cola. He was gifted many Coca-Cola, Ohio State, and Buckeye items by family over the years. These gifts included memorabilia, snacks, clothing, and way too many puzzles, and brought smiles to his face and jokes by all.

His love for his grandchildren has always been apparent and brought so much joy to his life. Coaching basketball for Joseph was a special bonding time for both of them. Fred enjoyed cheering on the activities of all the grandchildren, both near and far, and spending time playing with them over the years.

He is survived by Cheryl Starbuck-Wilson, his wife of 27 years. Daughter, Diana Summerford and husband Scott; grandchildren, Graham and Lydia. Daughter, Tammy Taylor, and husband Jim; grandchildren, Emma and Jack. Cheryl’s daughter, Crystal Koza, and husband Joe; grandchildren, Michael, Meredith, Mallory, Matthew, and Meghan and her husband, Caleb. Daughter-in-law, Michell Cox; grandson, Joseph Cox, and his wife Anna.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Wilson and Josephine Wilson, Cheryl’s son, Donovan Cox, and all his aunts and uncles.

Fred worked for several organizations during his life and especially enjoyed his years with Humble ISD and Northwood Pool Supply. Working at HISD and Northwood Pool Supply perfectly fit Fred’s personable and easygoing nature. He loved visiting with school staff, swapping jokes, and probably buying too much of their fundraising candy. He also enjoyed meeting his pool customers, learning their stories, and telling even more jokes.

The family would like to express their appreciation for the dedication, support, help, and friendship during Fred’s illness to the following: Dr. Ismael Diaz, Dr. Justin Gyrfori, and Dr. Khanh Nguyen for their dedication to helping Fred while he was in their care; Visting Angels and Heart to Heart; the Miller Family of Northwood Pool Supply; Bob Plumer, Service Officer VFW Post 4816 for his guidance of the VA system.

Please consider these organizations if a donation is preferred in lieu of flowers:

Bob Woodruff Foundation (https://bobwoodrufffoundation.org)

Houston Area Parkinson Society (https://hapsonline.org)

VFW Foundation (https://www.vfw.org/foundation/give-to-the-foundation)

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