Charles Llewellyn Wilson Jr.

Charles grew up close to his family and close to the Appalachian foothills. He exemplified southern charm and hospitality.

In 1944, after finishing high school, he enlisted in the Navy, completed training at Naval Station Great Lakes and Mare Island Naval Shipyard, and shipped out to Saipan. There, as a Pharmacist’s Mate, Third Class, he served in the military government to clean up the massive devastation brought by war to the island. He also spent time in the Philippines and on Guam.

When WWII ended, he went to college at the University of Alabama, and after getting his journalism degree there, he entered the Army as a 2nd Lieutenant during the Korean conflict. He served, also, in the Vietnam War. His career ended with his retirement as a Lieutenant Colonel. After that, for several years, he was a child welfare social worker in the El Paso County Department of Social Services.

All of his life he liked to draw and paint. Art was his primary means of expressing himself, and his wife of more than sixty years, Helen, gave him the encouragement and motivation to achieve extensively in the art world. Charles, while stationed at Fort Devens, MA, was able to study in Boston under artist Margaret Fitzhugh Browne. He was well-respected as a pastel artist and well-known in the art community in Colorado Springs, having taught art to children and adults alike, participated in art guilds, and submitted to and adjudicated many shows. He befriended and worked often alongside local greats such as Eric Bransby.

Charles and Helen kept Christ and the Church alive in their hearts, and Christian friendships were important to both of them. Many of these connections were made at Holy Cross Lutheran Church where he and Helen attended for the last 30 years. Charles placed inherent value on all living things because of God’s hand in creation.

Charles was preceded in death by his wife, Helen, his parents, Charles L. and Thelma P. Wilson, and his younger brother, James H. Wilson. He is survived by two sons: Charles Wilson, of Daphne, Alabama and Gary Hall of Snohomish, Washington; two daughters: Julia Merrick of Daphne, Alabama and Tami Bock of Colorado Springs; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. All of his family, both deceased and still living, were very dear to him. He loved each and every one of them.

Family and friends are invited to interment with full military honors and memorial service on Friday, June 26, 2026. Interment: 10:00 a.m., Evergreen Cemetery, 1005 Hancock Expressway, Colorado Springs. Memorial service: 11:30 a.m. at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 4125 Constitution Avenue, Colorado Springs.