Oliver Wendell Wilson

Wilson, Oliver Wendell, age 81, born on November 10, 1924 in Median, Kansas fought a gallant battle to stay with those he loved but slipped the bonds of earth on August 14, 2005. He was a self made quiet man of many skills, interests, talents and friends Wendell was the son of Glen Wilson, an oilfield worker and Hattie Jackson Wilson, a dedicated wife and Mother. Wendell grew up in the tough Kansas world of the 1920s and 30s living around the oilfields along with his five half brothers and one sister. He attended El Dorado High School followed by a 3 year commitment to the CCC prior to joining the US Army in 1943 at age 19. Wendell proudly served America during World War ll in the Medical Corp in India, China and Burma until the war ended. Shortly after the war, he became the proud Son in Law of Tom and Dovie Mae Flippen of El Dorado. He began the courtship of their daughter Betty Jane Coleman at the skating rink in Augusta, Kansas. That romance led to their marriage at a church parsonage in Leon, Kansas in 1946. He was 22. After the war Wendell not only dedicated his career and life time to Betty and their families but to his employment with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company for 38 years. Wendells talents and interests were always diverse. He always sought out hobbies and interests that became a great challenge both physically and intellectually for him. He was a consummate handyman and mechanic; as well as an avid golfer, bowler and ballroom dancer. Wendells family and friends will always remember his slow walking gait, his smiles, his faultless honesty, his remarkable slowness to anger, his love of humor, fondness of holidays, his extended family and most of allthe love he shared with his dear Betty Jane. Wendell loved his fellow workers and especially his fellow masons. He was a passionate and dedicated member of the Masonic order serving Sunflower Lodge Number 86 as past Worshipful Master in 1968. Wendell is survived by his loving soul mate, caregiver and wife of 59 years Betty Jane Coleman Wilson, his brothers, Glen, Louis, Larry, Jimmie, Monte, sister Bonnie Kennedy and sisters in law Katie Mae Collier, Mary Alice Phillips, Laverne Hanes, Bobbie Mears and many loving nieces and nephews. Services are to be held at 1:00 P.M., Thursday at Downing and Lahey Mortuary East. Interment will be at 3:00 P.M., Thursday at Sunset Lawn Cemetery in El Dorado. A memorial has been established with Home healthcare Connection, 4747 S. Emporia, Wichita, KS, 67216. Interment 3:00 P.M., Thursday, Sunset Lawn Cemetery, El Dorado.