LaVerne "Whip" Andrew Wilson's Obituary
DECATUR—LaVerne “Whip” Andrew Wilson 85, of Decatur, passed away August 5, 2017, in Kansas City Hospice.
Vern was born January 22, 1932, in Joliet, IL. He is the son of Luella Hilburn and Andrew Wilson.
He was a veteran of the Army, serving during the Korean conflict as Mess Sergeant.
Vern was a career Caterpillar Inc. employee, he began his career in Joliet and moved to Decatur when the new Caterpillar plant opened 1955, encompassing 37 years of his adult life. Vern served as part of plant management and was supervisor for a number of years.
Vern enjoyed golfing, working with leather, woodworking, and being around friends and family. He loved food, especially sweets. He spent most of his retirement between Decatur, IL and St. Augustine FL, in their residence near the beach.
Vern is survived by his wife of 40 years, Marie Celene Wilson, his two daughters, Cindi (John) Peterson of Eugene, OR, and Debbie (Mike) Fitzpatrick of Calico Rock, AR and son Jay (Karen) Wilson, of Lee’s Summit, MO and grandchildren Mason Campbell, Kirsten Johnston, Andrew Wilson, Samuel Wilson and Katelynn Bricker.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Mildred Doloris Wilson.
Funeral Services to celebrate the life of LaVerne Wilson will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, August 8, 2017, at the Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday before the service at the funeral home. Burial will be in Fairlawn Cemetery.
The family of LaVerne Wilson is being served by Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Ave. Decatur, IL. Please view the online obituary, send condolences, and share memories at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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