Rollie C. Wilson, 96, of Galion, Ohio, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017, at Magnolia Terrace in Galion where he had been a resident for the past three years.
He was born June 19, 1920, in Columbus and was the son of Howard and Harriet May (Briggs) Wilson. On Aug. 25, 1946, he married Esther M. Nungesser and they enjoyed 65 years of marriage until her death May 17, 2012.
Mr. Wilson was a 1938 graduate of North Robinson High School and went on to serve his country during World War II in the United State Army Air Corps, receiving a Purple Heart and Silver Star. He was part-owner of Crawford Construction for 33 years and ran equipment for 20 years and then went into a foreman capacity. He was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Galion and was a member of the Galion Lodge 414 Free & Accepted Masons.
He was a devoted and avid fan of Colonel Crawford High School girls’ sports, especially softball and basketball. He was also an avid fan of The Ohio State University women’s basketball, having season tickets for him and Esther for many years.
Additionally, he served the Crawford County Fair with harness racing as he was the speed superintendent for more than 30 years.
Mr. Wilson is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, Charlie (Nita) Nungesser, Tubby (Nola) Garverick, Jim (Bonnie) Garverick, Harry Garverick, Ken (Jeanne) Bishop, Dick (Sharon) Bishop, Carol (Dave) Dayne, Jane (Jim) Geyer, Marie (Jim) Green and Judy Kesler; and a sister-in-law Martha Orewiler. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Mina Garverick, Hazel Bishop and Margaret Bunn; and two brothers, Kenneth and Ralph “Pete.”
The family will receive friends from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday (Feb. 19) at Richardson Davis Chapel of Snyder Funeral Homes, 218 South Market St., Galion, OH 44833 where services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Monday (Feb. 20) with Rev. Richard Genzman officiating. Burial will be in Crawford County Memory Gardens in Crestline.
Full military honours will be conducted by the United States Army and Galion Crestline Veterans Military Funeral Detail.
Memorial contributions may be made to Peace Lutheran Church or the Esther & Rollie Wilson Scholarship Fund, c/o Crawford County Community Foundation, in care of the funeral home.
Richardson Davis Chapel of Snyder Funeral Homes in Galion is honoured to serve the family and condolences may be made to them at SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Rollie Wilson.
(USTA)