Steve "Windell" Wilson

Steve Windell Wilson, known to everyone simply as “Windell,” was born on August 27, 1945, in Hanford, California, to Jesse Bryan Wilson and Lela Mae (Talley) Wilson. He passed away surrounded by the love of family and friends, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, laughter, hard work, and devotion to those he loved.

Windell attended Armona Elementary School, graduated from Hanford High School in 1964, and later earned his Associate’s Degree from College of the Sequoias. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy from January 17, 1967, until the completion of his four-year enlistment, including service in Vietnam. He attained the rank of MR2 and was last assigned to the USS Bausell (DD-845). His military honors included the National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Star.

On October 20, 1972, Windell married the love of his life, Deborah (Simas) Wilson. Their story began long before that day. Deborah met him when she was just ten years old and, like most everyone else, knew him only as “Windell.” It wasn’t until they went to obtain their marriage license that she learned his given first name was Steve. If you knew him, however, you knew he was definitely a Windell.

Windell was a man of few words, but when he spoke, people listened. He had a remarkable ability to quietly follow several conversations at once before delivering a perfectly timed observation or unforgettable one-liner. His quick wit and dry humor brought laughter to family gatherings and friendships throughout his life, and he remained funny right up to the very end.

A dedicated and hardworking man, Windell spent more than fifty years working from sunrise to sunset. He worked as a welder, drove a chemical truck, and devoted much of his career to developing innovative methods to improve fruit production, helping growers increase yields in crops ranging from grapes to peaches. He took pride in honest work, practical solutions, and doing a job well.

Windell is survived by his beloved wife of more than 53 years, Deborah Wilson; his children, Joseph “Joe” Wilson and wife Dawn of Gravette, Arkansas, and Tammie Hutton and husband Randy of Hanford, California; and his grandchildren, Olivia Wilson, Cassidy Hutton, and Clemens Wilson.

He was preceded in death by his son, Marty Wilson; his grandson, Jesse James Hutton; his parents, Jesse Bryan and Lela Mae Wilson; and his siblings, Tom Wilson, Lavada (and Harlan) Bailey, John Wilson, and Dwayne (and Dianne) Wilson.

Windell’s legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the friends who loved him, the work he accomplished, and the laughter he inspired. He will be remembered for his quiet strength, unwavering work ethic, sharp sense of humor, delicious Okie gravy (no one made it better) and the unique way he could turn an ordinary moment into one that would be retold for years.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Koinonia Church on Friday, June 19, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.