Robert Elwood Wilson's Obituary
Robert Elwood Wilson, 90, of Decatur, passed away Friday, January 6, 2017, at Manor Court in Clinton.
Robert was born July 2, 1926, in Decatur, IL to Uthie Ray and Hilda Madison (Ricketts) Wilson. He proudly served in the United States Navy. He married Janet Hawkins on August 21, 1949, in Decatur, IL. In 1948, from the University of Illinois, he received an A.B. Chemistry degree. In 1949, he received a B.S. Chemical Engineering degree and in 1952, he received a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering. In 1950, from the University of Minnesota, he received a M.S. Chemical Engineering. He became a registered professional engineer in Ohio. He was a Project Leader for Corn Products Company in Chicago from 1952 to1954. From 1954 to 1962, he was a professor and department head for the chemical engineering department at the University of Dayton. From 1958 to 1961, he was the director of College of Engineering graduate program. From 1955 to1961, he was a consultant for the Navy, Air Force and private industry. From 1961 to 1962, he was the manager of engineering and process development for Thomas J. Lipton, Inc., in Hoboken, New Jersey. From 1962 to 1967, he was an Associate Director for research and development with International Minerals & Chemical Corp in Skokie, IL. From 1967 to 1976, he was an Associate for Heidrick and Struggles. From 1976 to 1981, he became Vice President and later Senior Vice President to Heidrick and Struggles in Chicago.
Robert won many awards golfing at Thorngate in Deerfield and in Florida. He played with many of the golfing greats. Robert was an artist and enjoyed painting. He was also Chairman of the Union League Club of Chicago.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Janet; a special niece, Emily Chamberlain of Decatur; and many nieces, nephews, great-nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services to celebrate the life of Robert Wilson will be 10 a.m. Saturday, January 14, 2017, at the Star of Hope Mausoleum Chapel in Graceland Cemetery. Entombment will follow the chapel service at the mausoleum. Memorials may be directed to the First Baptist Church 1320 W Arbor Dr, Decatur, IL 62526.
The family of Robert E. Wilson is being served by Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Avenue, Decatur, IL. View the online obituary and send condolences to the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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