Ronald Wilson

Ronald Emerson Wilson died June 8, 2018 after an extended illness. He was born on January 21, 1932, grew up outside of Boston, served in the U.S. Army, and received his bachelor’s degree from Gordon College. He earned a master’s degree in journalism from Syracuse University. His career as a writer and editor spanned several decades, beginning at Moody Monthly and continuing at Youth for Christ, David C. Cook Publishing, OMF, World Vision, and Serge. He also served as the Executive Director of the Evangelical Press Association for 10 years.

Ron’s love for missions and mentoring led him to travel to 50-plus countries, and to live and work in Peru and Holland, also several years in Ireland working alongside his wife Mary. As a member and elder at Trinity Presbyterian Church, he served on the Missions Committee and was part of the Trinity Writers Group, where he was able to use his gifts for writing to help aspiring writers. He also served on the first board of directors of The Covenant School.

Ron was preceded in death by his brother, Norman R. Wilson; his sister, Janet W. Pizzello; his first wife, Evelyn F. Wilson; and his second wife, Carole D. Wilson.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; six children, Kenneth Fulton Wilson (Anne), Heather Annette Wilson (Sam Withrow), Todd Douglas Wilson, Amy Orebaugh Crabb, Michael Orebaugh (Courtney), and Clinton Orebaugh (Laura); a brother, Kenneth R. Wilson (Jean); seven grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Late in life, Ron was amused by variations on the word “died” in obituaries. Ken would tally the wordings in the day’s Daily Progress and read them to him – “three died,” “two passed on,” and “one went to be with the Lord,” etc. – and Ron would always chuckle. He wasn’t the least bit callous, but as a retired writer and editor he loved words and their connotations and he never lost his corny sense of humor. If there is a reading room in heaven, Ron is reading and editing – and laughing.

A memorial service will be held Monday, July 23, 2018, at 3:00pm, at Trinity Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in Ron’s memory may be made to Trinity Presbyterian Church, where they will be designated for global missions.