Willard C. Wilson, 87, U.S. Army Veteran
Willard C. Wilson, 87 of Lorain died on Wednesday, April 7, 2004, at his home following a brief illness.Mr. Wilson was born on June 25, 1916, in Deposit, NY but lived all his life in the Lorain area.
Willard was a 1934 graduate of Lorain High School. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII serving as First Gunner with Patton's 5th Division, 3rd Army. He was awarded 5 bronze stars and the Good Conduct medal.
Mr. Wilson was a retired machinist for the former Thew Shovel with more than 50 years service. He retired in 1978. He enjoyed model radio controlled airplanes. He especially enjoyed telling War stories and stories from Thew Shovel.
Mr. Wilson is survived by his three daughters: Karen J. Cowger of Elyria, Dolores J. McCallister of Weirton, WV, and Arna B. Safar of Lorain; his two sons: Gary C. Wilson of Lorain, and Richard W. Wilson of Milan; 8 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife: Evelyn M. (nee Bischoff) Wilson in 1995; granddaughter: Lisa McCallister; parents Harry and Elizabeth "Lizzie" Wilson; a brother Armand LeRoy Hathaway; and sisters: Elda Florence Hathaway and Gertrude E. Hathaway.
Friends may call at Schwartz Spence Boyer & Cool Home for Funerals, 1124 W. 5th Street, Lorain, OH, on Friday, April 9, 2004 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. Funeral services will be held on April 10, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. at Schwartz Spence Boyer & Cool Home for Funerals in Lorain, OH with Rev. Jay Roller, pastor of Grace Baptist Church officiating.
Willard C. Wilson will be buried at Resthaven Memory Garden in Avon, OH with full military honors provided by VFW Post 451 of Lorain.
The family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to the World War II Memorial Fund, American Battle Monuments Commission, ATTN: GR048, P.O. Box 96074, Washington, DC 20090-6074.