Wiley Charles Wilson, 96, of Lawrence passed peacefully in his sleep September 18, 2023. Visitation will be held 7:00 p.m. Friday, September 22 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Gravesite inurnment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery 1:00 p.m. , Saturday, September 23.
Mr. Wilson was born November 24, 1926 at the family home to Della (Hatch) and Clarence E. Wilson. He was preceded in death by parents, Sisters Evelyn Roy, Reta Jacobs, Ruth Phillips, wife (Marie), and daughter Teresa Treanor (Mike), and son in law Ken Hamlin. Surviving are daughters Sandra Hamlin, St. Joseph, Missouri; Anita Bell (Leon), Tonganoxie; and Cynthia Glenn (Dave), Lecompton. He has 8 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren.
Mr. Wilson served in World War II and was inducted and began his 2 ½ year military career at Camp Fannin, Tyler, Texas in 1945. His specialty was as an 81mm mortar crewman. Later in combat, he became known for his accuracy as a member of the 20th Infantry Regiment, 6th Division in the Philippine Islands and Korea. In Kwangju, Korea he guarded trains and prisoners while serving as a replacement military policeman.
After discharge, Mr. Wilson became a lineman for an electrical contractor travelling the state of Kansas. In Madison, Kansas he met and married Marie Muse on February 25, 1949. Returning to Lawrence, he worked 39 ½ years for Kansas Power and Light, currently Evergy, and retiring as a line foreman.
The family suggests memorials to the American Heart Association or to an organization of their choice, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, KS 66046.
