Richard A. “Rick” Wilson, age 77 of Highland, IL, died Friday, June 23, 2023, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital (BJC) in Saint Louis, MO.
He was born on Monday, July 9, 1945, in Indianapolis, IN, the son of Benjamin and Imogene (nee Patrick) Wilson.
On Saturday, June 24, 1978, he married Elaine A. Wilson (nee Vasilovich) of Eastlake, Ohio, who survives.
Rick grew up and graduated high school from Danville, IN, west of Indianapolis. He was very active in sports activities and has maintained close relationships with his classmates through the years. He enlisted with the US Army in 1966 and was honorably discharged in 1969. Rick was on active duty during the Vietnam War with the 199th Light Infantry Brigade (REDCATCHER) during the Tet Offensive. After returning from Vietnam, Rick graduated from Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management. He worked at Parker Hannifin Corporation after graduation and went on to work for other manufacturing companies during his career. In 1981, he began working for B-Line Manufacturing, Highland, IL and consulted for a B-Line division, Cooper Lighting, until he eventually retired. After retirement, he joined First Student and drove a school bus for the Highland Community Unit School District #5 for several years.
Rick enjoyed watching sports, preserving his Ford Mustangs and working on do-it-yourself projects at his home. He owned a 1965 Mustang convertible purchased from his father and a 1969 Mach 1 Mustang which he and his wife took to several Mustang Club of America car shows across the country to win many awards for his work on the car. Rick could fix anything around the house and made many improvements himself, including a new garage, sunroom, and a master bedroom addition to his home.
Rick supported Elaine’s volunteer work with animal-related causes, and helped foster several dogs from Come Bye Border Collie Rescue. When his children were younger, he helped coach and provide instruction with their sports activities. He also enjoyed watching his grandchildren play sports.
He was a lifetime member of the Highland Veterans of Foreign Wars – Post 5694.
Survivors include:
Wife – Elaine A. Wilson, Highland, IL
Son – Richard “Andrew” (Michelle) Wilson, Greenville, SC
Daughter – Sandra L. (Christopher) Depping, Charlotte, NC
Son – Patrick A. Wilson, Highland, IL
Grandchild – Ava Wilson, Greenville, SC
Grandchild – Asher Wilson, Greenville, SC
Grandchild – Isaac Wilson, Greenville, SC
Brother – Donald L. (Peggy) Wilson, Surprise, AZ
Sister in Law – Sarah A. Vasilovich, Eastlake, OH
Sister in Law – Susan C. (William) Flick, Vestavia Hills, AL
Several nieces and nephews
He was preceded in death by:
Father – Benjamin E. Wilson
Mother – Imogene F. Wilson (nee Patrick)
Brother – Byron L. Wilson
Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Visitation will be from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Monday, July 31, 2023 at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home, Highland, IL.
Graveside Service will be at 12:30 PM, Monday, July 31, 2023 at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.
Interment will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.
The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and personnel at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Highland, IL; St. Louis VA Medical Centers at John Cochran and Jefferson Barracks; and Barnes Hospital, Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University for his leukemia treatments and care.
