Orel Lloyd Wilson, 95, of Gas, passed away Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013 at Iola Nursing Center.
Orel was born May 14, 1918, on a farm eight miles east of Colony, the son of A. Lloyd and Flossie V. (Babcock) Wilson. He graduated from Lone Elm High School in 1937 and farmed until serving in the U.S. Army Air Force from 1942 to 1946.
On Jan. 1, 1947, Orel married Marian J. Goodsell at her parents’ home in Gas. They made their home in Gas and he worked for Goodsell Hatchery until it closed. He then worked at IMP Boats in Iola until he retired.
Orel was a private pilot and enjoyed aviation, fishing and his dog, Bobby. He was a member of First Christian Church in Iola, life member of the American Legion and had been very active in the Iola Lions Club.
Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Marian Wilson; two sisters-in-law, Shirley Sweany, Mayfield, Ken., and Margaret Smoot, Iola.
He was preceded in death by an infant brother, Burl Edward Wilson.
Services are at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, at Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel, Iola, where the family will receive friends prior to the service.
Burial will be in Lone Elm Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to First Christian Church or First Church of the Nazarene and left with Waugh-Yokum & Friskel, which is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences for the family may be left at www.iolafuneral.com.
Orel Wilson
