LONNIE WILSON

LAMAR- Services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Daniel Funeral Home for Lonnie Gene Wilson, 74, Lamar, who died Saturday, April 15, 2017, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, following a long illness. Burial will be in St. James Cemetery, northeast of Milford.

Visitation will be held from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Lung Association, in care of the funeral home.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.danielfuneralhome.net.

Survivors include his wife, Helen, of the home; children, Lonna Jackson and husband Jimmy, Lamar, Dawna Holzbach and husband Troy, Lamar, Melinda Paynter, Carthage and Todd Wilson, Lamar; grandchildren, Jeremy VanGilder, Dustin Jackson, Taylor Jackson, Jakob Holzbach, Keaton Holzbach, Alexis Paynter, Hayden Paynter, Macy Wilson and Trenton Wilson; great-grandchildren, Lillian and Natalie VanGilder; sisters, Maxine Cox and husband Leo, Lamar and Darlene Logan, Miller; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a large extended family.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Gerald, as well as an infant sister and brother; an infant son, Kevin Gene and two grandsons, Ryan VanGilder and Bradley VanGilder.

Mr. Wilson was born Nov. 4, 1942, in Sheldon, to William and Lillie (Dockery) Wilson. He attended Valley Rural School, graduated from Lamar High School in 1960 and served in the Army National Guard until being honorably discharged in 1966. He married Helen Marie Beavers on May 26, 1963 and they made their home and reared their family in Lamar.

In addition to his 30-year career laying carpet, he had worked at Thorco for 13 years. After retiring, he had more time to enjoy with his family and his favorite pastimes. He was a naturally gifted musician and self-taught guitarist, playing with his family and others occasionally at dances. An avid outdoorsman, he loved hunting, fishing and bird-watching. Each spring was filled with great anticipation for the return of “his” bluebirds to raise their babies in the houses he always had ready for them.

He and his wife were known and appreciated for the grapes and large gardens they grew and shared. Alway a Lamar Tiger fan, he attended every game as long as his health permitted and listened on the radio when he couldn't be at the stadium.