On August 29, 1944, Claude Wilson, Sr., was the third child born to the late Edward and Corinne (Patterson) Wilson in San Antonio, TX. Claude accepted Christ, at an early age and was baptized in November of 1954 at the New Light Missionary Baptist Church under the late Rev. Dr. P.S. Wilkinson, Sr. He later made is church home, Calvary Baptist Church under Pastor Kevin Nelson. After graduating from Brackenridge High School in San Antonio, Texas, in 1962, Wilson enlisted in the United States Army. His first duty station in Baltimore, Maryland is where he met his bride, Joan Cockrell. Three children were born from the marriage. During his tour of duty, Wilson served overseas in Okinawa on the medic team for Vietnam. Wilson later followed his passion to work in the Criminal Investigation Division of the Army. Shortly after his transition, the Texas Rangers recruited him for the newly appointed division, Texas Department of Public Safety. Wilson was one of the first black Texas DPS Officers. He later moved on to the Harris County Sheriff’s Department where he became the first black Internal Affairs Detective. Wilson later returned to college to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. He loved government and history, about as much as he loved reading the bible and listening to old Gospel music, Blues, and Jazz.
Wilson was known for his cowboy boots, hats, and the scent of the sweet tobacco coming from his pipes. He had a quick wit and keen sense of humor. He took great pride in uplifting the black community as a part of the political process, and made voting a priority. This year was the only year that he did not vote, due to being hospitalized. He believed that we have a voice that needs to be heard even when others are not listening.
Many called him, Wilson; family called him, Bubba. He loved his family, even the “little people” as he would say (children). He enjoyed talking about the good old days. He was proud to be a Mason from the 1st Masonic Lodge in Texas and a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He also loved his dogs like they were a part of the family.
Claude Wilson, Sr. made his transition on November 27, 2019.
Claude is survived by his Daughter Christine O’nell Wilson King, his son, Claude Wilson, Jr. (Latanja), Nephews Chris Donner (Ann) and Michael Donner, Niece Darnett Corinne Dearring (Edgar), Grandson Phillip Edward King and Granddaughter Jewel Marie King; Great Grandchildren Jaden Phillip King, Garron Wilson King, Grason Allen King, Cameron Aliece Russell, Jordyn Nicole Russell, Houston Linda Skye Carter, and Blaze Eli Carter, Great Nieces and Nephews Erica Donner, Brooke Williams, Amanda Garza, Edmund Dearring, Kenneth Donner, Nathaniel Donner, Derek A. Williams Jr., Chris Donner Jr., Edwin Dearring, Darren McNeil, Isaac Archer Pratt, Isabella Donner.
He is preceded in death by his Father, Edward Wilson, Mother Corinne Wilson, Sisters Pat O’nell Wilson and Edward Pearl Wilson Donner, his daughter Debra Wilson, his grandson Jordan Wilson, and his great nephew Thomas Dearring.
Funeral services will be held 11:00am Monday, December 9, 2019 at Earthman Resthaven Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Houston National Cemetery with military honors at 12:45pm. Family will receive friends on Sunday, December 8, 2019 at Earthman Resthaven Funeral Home from 2:00pm until 5:00pm.
Serving as pallbearers will be Claude Wilson, Jr., Chris Donner, Sr., Jaden Phillip King, Garron Wilson King, Grason Allen King, Derek A. Williams, Jr., Chris Donner, Jr. and Randall Placide.
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