Wayne Wilson, a Wallowa County native, passed away at the age of 74 on February 22, 1988. Born on December 23, 1913, he served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army’s 44th Bomb Group during World War II. He married Loretta Knight Bradshaw in 1954 and worked for Boise Cascade for 25 years before retiring in 1978. A member of American Legion Post #43, he is survived by his wife, three children, seven grandchildren, and two brothers.
Freda Jones Wilson, 84, formerly of La Grande, Oregon, passed away on May 10 in Quartzite, Arizona. Born on June 14, 1921, in Cedar City, Utah, she married Simeon Presley Wilson in 1935 and worked as a licensed practical nurse. A member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, she had a passion for sewing. She is survived by her three children, a sister, nine grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She was buried at Cove Cemetery.
Sylvia Wilson, 88, of La Grande, passed away on June 20 at a local care center. Born on September 10, 1917, in Salt Lake City to Mathew and Christina Nooner, she was married twice, first to Robert Blacker and later to Arthur R. Wilson. An active member of the Church of the Open Bible and later the New Hope Church, she enjoyed various hobbies including embroidery and gardening. She is survived by her three daughters and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions can be made to charity.
Sylvia Wilson, 88, of La Grande, passed away on June 20 at a local care center. Born on September 10, 1917, in Salt Lake City, she married Robert Blacker and later Arthur R. Wilson. A member of the Church of the Open Bible and New Hope Church, she enjoyed embroidery, gardening, baking, and playing bunko. She is survived by her daughters, Shirley Cox, Donna L. Frash, and Judith Larsen, along with ten grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and eight great-great-grandchildren. Memorial donations can be made to any charity in her honor.
Arthur Edward Wilson III, aged 74, of La Grande, passed away at a care facility. Born on February 16, 1932, in Klamath Falls, he served in the Air Force and the Oregon National Guard. He married Carolyn Mae Walker in 1953, later divorced, and married Donna Fay Sherwood in 1973. A retiree from Boise Cascade, he also worked part-time at Greyhound. He is survived by his wife, son, and other family members, with a funeral service scheduled at the LDS Church.
Carrie C. Wilson, aged 98, of La Grande, passed away on December 15 at a local care center. Born on April 26, 1908, in Pipestone, Minnesota, she moved to La Grande in 1965. Carrie managed the Woodshed Restaurant and worked at Payne Family Mortuary. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Lou Sherburn, four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. Burial will take place in Portland, with arrangements handled by Loveland Funeral Chapel.
Trim W. Wilson served as Regimental Sergeant Major in the Infantry at Headquarters Company, 81st Division, 161st Brigade. He hailed from Pasquotank County, the son of Jas. C. and Mrs. Gertrude Wilson. Wilson entered the military on September 18, 1918, and underwent training at various camps before sailing to France on July 31, 1918. He participated in notable engagements, including the Meuse-Argonne and Vosges Mountains, and was mustered out at Camp Jackson in June 1919.
Bradley Dean Wilson, 58, of Elgin, passed away on January 4, 2006, after a year-long battle with cancer. He was born on September 8, 1948, in Albany and worked nearly 30 years as a millwright. Known for his affinity for hunting and historical interests, he enjoyed outdoor activities and motorcycling with his wife, Carol. A funeral service will be held on January 7, followed by burial at Summerville Cemetery. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and extended family.
Private 1st Class M. G. C. Wilson, from Guilford County, enlisted in the military on September 19, 1917. After training at various camps in the U.S., he sailed for France on August 14, 1918. Wilson participated in significant battles, including the Somme Drive from November 6 to 8 and the Meuse-Argonne offensive from November 9 to 11. He returned to the United States on June 18, 1919, and was mustered out at Camp Lee, Virginia, on June 25, 1919.
Raine Miller Wilson, 66, of The Dalles, formerly of La Grande, passed away at home on June 4, 2008. Born on December 9, 1941, in Klamath Falls, he was the youngest of five children. Raine served in the U.S. Army and worked for the Soil Conservation Service for 27 years before retiring. He enjoyed outdoor activities and time with family and friends. He is survived by his daughter, son, eight grandchildren, and two sisters. His parents and two brothers predeceased him.
James “Jim” William Wilson, 72, passed away on August 5 at his home in La Grande, Oregon. Born on April 15, 1936, in Eugene, he graduated from Willamette High School and worked for International Telephone and Telegraph before spending 30 years at Eastern Oregon College. An active community member, he belonged to various organizations including the Imbler Christian Church and the Oregon Two Cylinder Club. A potluck celebration of his life is set for August 22 at Island City City Hall. He is survived by his wife, daughters, grandchildren, and siblings.
Adolphus Mathew Wilson, aged 82, passed away on September 18 and was commemorated with funeral services at the Moser Egger Chapel, followed by burial at Highland Cemetery. Born on September 10, 1869, in Rogerville, Tennessee, he had resided in the local community for 14 years. He is survived by two daughters, a son, two sisters, a brother, seven stepdaughters, four stepsons, nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Pallbearers included community members who honored his memory.
Mrs. Hannah Wilson, aged 82, passed away in Washington while visiting her son. Just weeks prior, she had been a guest at her daughter, Mrs. John Shurrum’s home in Wolfe Creek after traveling from Texas. Mrs. Wilson had intended to return for the holiday season before heading back to her home.
John Wilson, a German immigrant born on March 8, 1840, settled in Coles County, Illinois, in 1871 after moving to the U.S. in 1857. A farmer and Constable, he was married to Sarah Ann Prince, with whom he had two deceased children, Mary C. and Louisa. Wilson also served honorably in the U.S. Army during the Civil War, enlisting from New York City in 1861. His life reflects the journey of many immigrants contributing to their communities in post-war America.
John A. Wilson, born on March 16, 1842, in Coles County, is a farmer and landowner with ninety-two acres valued at $2,500. He married Elizabeth Jones on December 3, 1868, and they had six children, including William, George, John, James, Mary, and Effie. A veteran of the Civil War, he served in Company D of the 123rd Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry. His parents, John and Elizabeth Wilson, were among the first settlers of the township, both passing away in the early 1850s.
Helen Florence Wilson, 88, passed away on August 1, 2005, in Portland, Oregon. Born on April 2, 1917, in Greeley, Colorado, she was raised in Delta, Colorado. Helen and her husband, Doyle Doc Wilson, married in 1936, and they lived in Summerville from 1948 to 1962. An accomplished choir director and organist, she was a member of Laurelwood Baptist Church in Vancouver, where she had resided since 1989. She is survived by her husband, children, siblings, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A service will be held on August 13.
Donna Rae Wilson, 59, of Joseph, passed away on August 12, 2005. A memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church in Enterprise, followed by burial in Grangeville, Idaho. Born on February 23, 1946, she lived a life marked by ranching in various locations and raising her three children. Donna also worked in retail and as a librarian and teaching assistant. She is remembered for her strong faith, love for landscaping, and dedication to family, survived by her husband Ray and three children.