Paul Edgar Wilson

Paul Edgar Wilson (also known as, Vilas Manning Wilson Jr.), 85, of Nevada, died Sunday, Sept. 7, 2008, at St. John's Regional Medical Center, in Joplin. He was born July 10, 1923, in Nevada. He was the son of Vilas M. Wilson and Marriah Elizabeth "Lizzie" Hamer, who preceded him in death. On May 25, 1974, he married Barbara Ann Scroggin, daughter of Vernon and Zelma Scroggin, who survives him of the home.

Wilson reported for induction in the United States Army on Feb. 10, 1943, and served during World War II in the European Theatre, primarily in Italy, for the duration of the war plus six months. After spending six months in an Army hospital, Wilson joined the Army Reserve, then the Nevada, Mo., National Guard armored unit serving 22 years, six months and 29 days, retired on Aug. 6, 1965. On March 10, 1978, at the suggestion of his friend Stafford Agee, Wilson rejoined the Missouri National Gaurd Training Sight, at Camp Clark, serving an additional five years, serving a total of 27 years and achieved his highest rank of sergeant major. Wilson retired from the Missouri National Guard the day before his 60th birthday, on July 9, 1983. In addition to Wilson's service in the Nevada, Mo., National Guard, he also provided custodial services for the Nevada, Mo., National Guard building and grounds for the past 50 years, since its reconstruction in 1958. Wilson was also employed and managed the auto body department at Richardson Motor Company Dodge, Plymouth and Chrysler dealership, in Nevada, for 35 years.

Wilson was a member of the Nevada Elks Lodge No. 5564. The high point of Paul's summers were the Wilson family vacations to Table Rock Lake, near Branson, Mo., and taking his grandchildren on trips to places like, Mount Rushmore, and Colorado, and the company of his family and friends. His work and personality were synonymous with the pride and merit Nevadans so cherish in their history. His place in our community, and in our hearts, cannot be replaced.

In addition to his wife Barbara, Paul is survived by his son, Christopher Ray Wilson and his wife Susan, of Arnold, Mo.; two daughters, Christina Ann Nolin and her husband Kevin, of Joplin, and Doris MiLinda (Mindy) Sullins and her husband Don, of Seffner, Fla.; his grandchildren, Shaun and Aaron Pilcher, of Nevada, Shanell Bradshaw and her husband Eric, of Seneca, Mo. Stefani Gose, of Seneca, Mo., and Shannon Wilson, of Arnold, Mo. He also has five great-grandchildren; one sister, Ouida Gregg, of Columbia, Mo., and numerous nieces, nephews, who love and will miss him. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Carl Hamer "Stubby" Wilson, Wiley E. Wilson, Charlie W. Wilson, and two sisters, Violet M. Hoy, and Lena Motley.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., on Friday, Sept. 12, at the Nevada, Mo., National Guard Armory, 1400 W. Cherry, Nevada, under the direction of Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, with John Nichols officiation. Interment will follow in Balltown Cemetery, in Horton, Mo. Friends may call now and until the hour of service and the family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m., on Thursday, at the funeral home.

Those who wish may contribute to the Horton Methodist Church, in care of Ferry Funeral Home, 301 S. Washington, Nevada, MO 64772.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfurneralhome.com.