Delmar S. "Willie" Wilson

Delmar S. “Willie” Wilson, 90, died Friday, December 23, 2016 at Heartland of Bucyrus.



He was born October 21, 1926 in Bucyrus to the late John and Annie (Wax) Wilson. Willie attended school at Bucyrus and at age 17, he enlisted to serve with the US Navy and was stationed aboard the USS Hoggatt Bay, a carrier escort, in the South Pacific. His responsibilities mainly consisted of serving as a cook and he occasionally served as a gunner. Following his discharge in 1945, he took a job at Swan Rubber where a lady named Lucille M. Dewiel caught his eye. They eventually began a courtship and on October 21, 1947 the two were married. Willie worked at Swan for a few more years before pursuing his dream of carpentry. He worked with several individuals over the years and possessed various abilities to handle any job thrown his way. He even manufactured the coffin in which he will be buried.



Willie liked to dabble in blacksmith work and created many items ranging from pots and utensils to rifles made from only a pattern. In the 1970s his passion became Revolutionary War re-enactment. He marched with both the American Militia and the Royal Navy and was proud to be part of a cannon group participating with various brigades until 2011 when his health no longer allowed. More recently, Willie enjoyed relaxing with a Rifleman or Backwoodsman magazine and he always found time to watch a history show, gameshow or the news on TV.



He was a member of Bucyrus United Methodist Church, Brigade of the American Revolutionary War, and served as an officer for the Northwest Territory Alliance.



Willie is survived by his wife of 69 years, Lucille M. (Dewiel) Wilson; daughter, Debbie Wilson; sisters-in-law, Florence Cooper and Shirley Hehr along with numerous nieces and nephews.



In addition to his parents, Willie was preceded in death by siblings, Roy Wilson, Glen Wilson, Genevieve Prewett, and Frank Gosshorn.



His family will receive friends from 9:30-11 am Thursday, December 29 at Wise Funeral Service where his funeral will be held that day beginning at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Becky Smithey officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery with military rites provided by US Navy, American Legion, Post 181 and Colonel Crawford Company Honor Guards.



Memorial contributions may be given to the funeral home to help offset expenses.