Merle Wilson

Merle E. “Gene” Wilson, 71, Grandview, MO passed away Wednesday, September 3, 2003. Cremation. Friends are invited to honor Gene at a celebration of life being held 7-9 PM, Wednesday, September 17th in the Goodwin Faith Center at First Baptist Church of Grandview, 1416 Main, Grandview, MO. The family suggests contributions to the church. Gene was a grocer, a fitness center owner, runner, weight lifter and committed Christian. He loved his family, welcoming each child and grandchild with joy. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Carolyn, of the home; daughter and son in law, Cheryl and Roy Obermiller; son and daughter in law, Mark and Teresa Wilson; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren (with one more expected soon); brother and sister in law, Jim and Lou Wilson; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceeded in death by his parents, Emmit and Fannie Wilson. Gene was well known as a distance runner, qualifying for the Boston marathon, and as a weight lifter. He also had excelled in photography and growing roses. Gene served the Korean War with distinction in the US Army. He had been a Sunday School teacher and deacon at First Baptist, Grandview. He is loved by his family and respected by his friends. His was a life well lived and a death with dignity.