Paul Bradford Wilson

Pete was born in Palo Alto, CA, February 12, 1947. He was the second oldest of five siblings. Pete grew up in Escalon CA and attended Burwood Elementary, Dent Union Elementary, freshman year at Escalon High School. His father had varied career fields involving the farming industry. They moved from Escalon to Le Grand. Pete attended Le Grand High School from sophomore to senior year of graduation in 1966.

Pete was attending Merced College when he received his draft notice for the military in 1967 and joined the US Navy Sea Bees. He served his country proudly in the Vietnam War from 1968-1969. From there he transferred to Millington Naval Air Station, Memphis, TN until his discharge in 1971.

After working with his brother, Jack, at Minturn Huller in Le Grand, Pete worked at Kenney’s Cabinets in Atwater for 22 years. He continued his craftmanship with wood at Merced College for 23 years along with his self-employed business (Wilson/Watts Custom Cabinets). He and his business partner, Alan Watts, created numerous outstanding projects throughout Merced County and beyond. They never had to advertise as the radiant beauty of their work spoke for itself.

Pete was a lifelong 49er faithful along with the SF Giants. His love for the games was as full of joy and spirit as his heart.

He relished special celebrations with the grandchildren. He built the crib and changing table with storage that was handed down for each grandchild. He built the granddaughters a special playhouse. He built the grandson a unique and functional wooden motorcycle. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren’s school and sport activities. He was very proud of their accomplishments.

Pete and Debi, his wife of 24 years had a fulfilling life with travels and fun times. They explored eastern Canada and Victoria, Canada. They ventured on a 13 day, 3600-mile Harley Davidson motorcycle ride to Sturgis, South Dakota through eight states (Oregon,

Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Utah, Nevada, California). After Sturgis, Pete traveled to Rock City, Nevada to experience a week-long annual event, “Burning Man”. They had numerous trips in California and out of state connecting with treasured friends. They golfed magnificent courses in California, Oregon, Arizona and Kauai with close friends. They enjoyed NHRA drag races, sky diving, ziplining, snow skiing, pickleball, swimming, dancing and morning walks capturing the beauty of sunrise.

Pete faced life’s challenges bravely, to gain more time with his loved ones and create lasting memories. He will be forever grateful to dear friends and family for giving a helping hand during time of need. He left a lasting imprint on everyone that crossed his path.

Pete is survived by his wife, Debi Swarts Wilson; brother, Jeff Wilson; his daughters, Brooke (Ron) Luker, Heather (Mike) Arnold; grandchildren, Hunter, Leah, Haley; nieces, Aimee (Mike) Danley, Karry Espinoza; nephews, Klye Sahlstrom, Gabe (Corrie) Sahlstrom, Jacob (Amy) Wilson, Jarrod (Loni) Wilson. He is preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Mildred Wilson; brother, Jack Wilson; sisters, Peggy Laam and Margi Cavallo.

Interment will be at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, located at 32053 West McCabe Road, Santa Nella CA on 02/12/26 (Pete’s birthday) at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to Vichara Monastery, 10049 Ernst Rd., Coulterville CA 95311-5336.