Henry "Pat" Wilson

A Celebration of Life Service for Henry E. “Pat” Wilson, Sr., 78 of Newark, will be held on Saturday, January 29, 2011 at 2:00 PM at the Criss-Schoedinger Funeral Home with Pastor Roger Conley officiating. Burial will follow at Newark Memorial Gardens with the Licking County Veterans Alliance providing military honors.

Pat was born in Newark, Ohio on July 26, 1932 to the late Albert and Hazel (Delancey) Wilson. He passed away on January 25, 2011 at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus.

Pat proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Prior to retirement, he worked as a conductor with the B&O Railroad and CSX Railroad for over 40 years. He was also a rural mail carrier for 25 years and worked as a driver for Mathews Ford. He was a member of UTU; Sons of Italy #2486, where he received the president’s award; Moose Lodge #499; Amvets #51; Druids; American Legion #0804; Eagles #357 and REAC Club of Eagles. He enjoyed NASCAR, showing cars, playing cards, dirt track racing, going on vacation with family and hunting. Pat never knew a stranger and loved everyone he met. Most important in his life was his loving family. He was the best husband, dad, grandpa and Paw Paw Pat in the world.

Survivors include his loving wife of 57 years, Florence “Flo” (Yarnelli) Wilson, whom he married on August 22, 1953; two sons, Henry “Hank” Jr. ( Mary) Wilson of Newark and Rick (Kristin) Wilson of Newark; grandchildren, Beth, Brandy (Greg), Melanie, Leah, Henry III (Jessica) and Greg; great grandchildren, Summer, Sydney and Kyndal Maryrose Mason, who’s a very very special little girl to Paw Paw Pat; sisters, Gerri Williams, June Giblin and Annie Sears; brothers, Whimp (Jenny) Wilson and Frank (Cookie) Wilson; sister-in-law that kept him going, Sandi (George) Wilson; special friends, Mike Brenner, Ike Hickman, Neil Moore and many other numerous friends, too many to be named; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sisters, Winnie and Peewee; brothers, Butch, George and Gene.

Family and friends may call at the funeral home, 179 Granville Street, Newark on Friday from 5:00 to 8:00 PM.