On April 1, 1959, Claude began a courtship with Kerma. On December 11, 1966 he officially robbed the cradle when they tied the knot. To this union was born his 3 little loves. As he grew, he felt his calling to serve his country. During his 29 years serving a distinguished military career in the United States Army, they moved many times settling in San Antonio, TX where he retired.
Claude has always been a “magnet” for extended family, never meeting a stranger of any age. He called them his “bonus” children. As one bonus child stated; “We cry because we are selfish”: we want to watch more football games with him, we want him to see us/our children grow, we want to hear him tell all the grandkids to settle down when they play too loudly, we want to share another bottle of vino with him, we want to hear another story, we want one more hug, one more kiss, one more tickle of his belly and to see him smile when he talks to and about his family.
Our beloved husband, best friend, daddy, papa, pops, poppi and friend entered into eternal rest on November 28, 2018 completing his “dash”. He will be greatly missed.
Claude is preceded in death by his parents, Jewel James and Alberta Wilson; his Siblings, Felix Wilson, J.J. Wilson Jr., Hugh Wilson, Lois Jenkins, Earl Thomas Wilson, Norman Sylvester “Duke” Wilson, Gene Wilson and Russell Wilson Sr. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Kerma Wilson; his children: Stacye (Craig) Alfred, Cheri Wilson, and Keli Wilson; his sisters, Redelia (John) Grayson, and Mary Frances Island; his grandchildren, Sydnee Alfred, Brooke Twitty, and Peyton Springer, along with all of his “bonus” children (you know who you are) and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to ask that you donate to the Fisher House at www.fisherhouse.org or the USO at www.uso.org.
The visitation will be held at the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel on Monday, December 17, 2018, from 6-8:00 pm. There will be a special ceremony at 7:00 pm with the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 18th at 12:00 pm. at the Fort Sam Houston Main Post Chapel; 1605 Wilson Way; Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234 with burial with military honors to follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
