Harry Edmund Wilson

Harry Edmund Wilson, 88, passed away on September 17, 2014 from Lung Cancer. Harry was born on October 20, 1925 in Petersburg, the son of Franklin and Zelma Blakley Wilson. He graduated from Petersburg Harris High School in 1943. Right after graduation on July 6, at the age of 17, he went into the United States Navy. He served in the Atlantic Theatre as a Signalman Second Class and was honorably discharged on March 4, 1946. He returned to Petersburg where he married Marilyn Ross Wilson of Tallula, Illinois on May 14, 1949 at the Tallula Christian Church. He is survived by Marilyn who continues to reside at the home Harry built himself with help from many, but especially neighbors, Tom and Jack Allen in 1955. He is also survived by his daughter Holly Wilson Crowl and her husband Matthew Crowl of Chicago, Illinois and two grandchildren, Taylor Wilson Crowl, currently studying in Madagascar and Logan Matthew Crowl currently at Carleton College in Minnesota. Harry is survived by many adoring nieces and nephews, and a sister-in-law, Bea Taylor. He was proceeded in death by his sister, Katherine Burrus and his brother, Franklin "Wig" Wilson. Harry was a second generation carpenter who built many homes in Petersburg and then took his craft to Springfield where he worked on commercial buildings such as the Dana Thomas House, the Springfield Depot, The State Capitol, and the Governor's Mansion. Harry was a 68 year member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, formerly Local 16. He loved working with his hands and could fix just about anything. Harry's life was devoted to his family, friends and Petersburg. He was an 88-year member of the Petersburg United Methodist Church, where he was a trustee and proud volunteer builder of the current church parsonage. Harry was post Commander of the American Legion Watkins Post #198 In Petersburg. He played golf for over 50+ years at Shambolee and nothing gave him greater pleasure than to never use a cart and walk the course with Jim Guinan, his lifelong friend. The end of Harry's life was cared for extraordinarily by Dr. Tomasz Srokowski and the St. John's Hospice Team, especially Erin Reichford. Visitation for Harry will be held Sunday, September 21, 2014 from 5 to 7 pm at Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg. Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 22 at 11 am at the Petersburg United Methodist Church with Pastor John Vidakovich officiating, burial will follow at Oakland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Petersburg United Methodist Church or St. Johns Hospice. Online condolences may be left at www.hurleyfh.com. The Hurley Funeral Home of Petersburg is assisting the Wilson family with arrangements.

Harry Edmund Wilson

October 20, 1925 - September 17, 2014

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