Rollie C. Wilson
June 19, 1920 – February 16, 2017
From the 95th BG Memorials Foundation Facebook page:
In deep sadness, the Memorials Foundation and the Heritage Association announce that Rollie Wilson of Galion, OH, left formation on 16 February 2017 at age 96. Rollie was a 334th waist gunner. He passed away peacefully at Magnolia Terrace in Galion where he had been a resident for the past three years. Folded wings.
The link following link includes a very moving tribute with a focus on this wartime service.
http://www.snyderfuneralhomes.com/obituary/rollie-c-wilson/
Rollie was born in Columbus, OH, to Howard and Harriet May (Briggs) Wilson on 19 June 1920. Twenty-six years later--on 25 August 1946--he married Esther M. Nungesser. The couple enjoyed 65 years of marriage until Esther passed on 17 May 2012. As Rollie’s obituary reads, he “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.“Rollie 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. Rollie was also an avid fan of The Ohio State University girls’ basketball, having season tickets for him and Esther for many years.
Additionally, he served the Crawford County Fair with harness racing as he was in charge of speed control for over 30 years.“
Rollie is survived by numerous nieces and nephews: Charlie (Nita) Nungesser of Galion; Tubby (Nola) Garverick of Goodyear, Arizona; Jim (Bonnie) Garverick of Griffin, Georgia; Harry Garverick of Marion; Ken (Jeanne) Bishop of Mansfield; Dick (Sharon) Bishop of Mansfield; Carol (Dave) Dayne of Galion; Jane (Jim) Geyer of Flint, Michigan; Marie (Jim) Green of Tuscan, Arizona; and Judy Kesler of Venice, Florida. He is also survived by sister-in-law Martha Orewiler of Galion.“
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’ Wilson.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, February 19, 2017, at Richardson Davis Chapel of Snyder Funeral Homes, 218 South Market St., Galion, Ohio 44833, where services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Monday, February 20, with Rev. Richard Genzman officiating. Burial will be in Crawford County Memory Gardens in Crestline.
“Full military honors 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 honored to serve the family of Rollie Wilson, and condolences may be made to them at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
”Rollie was a regular attendee at past 95th reunions and a dear friend of many here.