The Oskaloosa Herald
MONTEZUMA —
William J. Wilson, 83, of Montezuma and formerly of Harvey, died Friday, July 27, 2012, at the Grinnell Regional Health Center in Grinnell.
He was born Thursday, Jan. 17, 1929, in Harvey, the son of William A. and Elizabeth Leighty Wilson. Following school he worked with his father on the family farm. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. On Aug. 7, 1956, he was united in marriage to Virginia Bond and they later divorced. Following his discharge he returned to Harvey and was self-employed cutting logs to sell as fence posts. In 1997, he moved to Des Moines. In September 1997, he was united in marriage to Katie Shields and she died Jan. 30, 2010. Following Katie’s death, he moved to Montezuma Nursing and Rehab. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Willy enjoyed reading war books and nature, especially birds.
His family includes a daughter: Tina (and Dennis) Davis, of New Sharon; 4 grandchildren: Jessica (and Christopher) Fry, Dustin (and Angel) Davis, Jacob Davis, and Coleton Davis; two great grandchildren: Josey and Breanna Fry; a sister: Alice Malloy, of Oskaloosa; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife: Katie Wilson; his parents; a sister: Shirley Lanphier; and two brothers-in-law: Orville Malloy and Reuben Lanphier.
Graveside funeral services and burial will be held Saturday, Aug. 4, at 10 a.m. in the Eureka Cemetery near Harvey with Reverend Frank Mick officiating. A procession will form to go to the cemetery at 9:15 a.m. at the Bates Funeral Chapel for those wishing to go to the cemetery. Military rites will be giving by members of the New Sharon American Legion Post 446. Visitation will begin Friday after 9 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be present at the funeral chapel from 5 – 7 p.m. to greet friends and relatives.
