H.R. "Skip" Wilson

H.R. "Skip" Wilson, 80, of Mansfield, died Wednesday afternoon, November 25, 2015, at Hospice House in Ashland, Ohio. He was born June 30, 1935, at Sandy Hill (Lexington), Ohio, the only child of the late Walter Glen and Elsie Marie (Luedy) Wilson.

Skip grew up on a dairy farm in Shelby, Ohio, and graduated from Mansfield Senior High School Class of 1954. He worked at various jobs including Gorman Rupp for a time. Skip opened an auto repair shop out of his home eventually moving to Park Avenue West where he worked alongside his son for many years. His passion was racing go-carts and drag racing and there have been several articles written about him chronicling his racing career. He was one of the few people to own and race his own 1964 Ford Thunderbolt. Skip was a member of the Gents Club, Midwest Coachmen Club and Family Motor Coach Association.

Skip had a wonderful personality and was a great listener. He made many friends along the way and enjoyed talking with new and old friends alike. Always up for an adventure, he enjoyed traveling in his RV-his home away from home, going numerous places including New England, Arizona and Florida. Snowmobiling in the winter was another favorite activity. He had a special playful bond with the family pets, Louie and Callie. In his quiet times, he was an avid reader and loved NASCAR.

Skip is survived by his wife of 58 years, Beverly (Baker) Wilson, whom he married on October 26, 1957. They shared two wonderful children, Shelley (Dan) Seckel of Mansfield and Mike (Andrea) Wilson of Sunbury; one grandson, Brad Wilson (Megan Anders); and many close friends.

A Celebration of Skip's life will be held Monday, November 30, 2015, at 5:00 p.m. in the Life Celebration Reception Center, 129 S. Main Street, Mansfield, with Dr. Richard Rader officiating. The family will receive friends from 4:30-5:00 p.m. and after the service until 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of North Central Ohio. The Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors is privileged to serve the family.