Napoleon Wilson

He was born October 5, 1943 in Memphis, TN to Napoleon Wilson Sr and Mary Gladys Wilson. He grew up in Washington before relocating to Ventura, CA in 1960. After graduating from Ventura High School in 1961, Nap enlisted in the United States Marine Corps with his high school best friend Mike Bartee at age of 17 with great pride. He completed two tours of duty during the Vietnam War. After he was honorably discharged from the USMC, he earned two Associates Degrees; one in Liberal Arts and the other in Science from Ventura College. He then transferred to Sawyer Technical College and earned two Bachelors’ Degrees; one in Computer Science and the other in Sociology.

While earning his degrees, he worked as an Assistant Manager at Thrifty Drug Store. After college, he became employed with Hughes Helicopter as a Computer Analysis and later with began his employment with Data Products Corporation until they relocated to South Dakota. He started his own maintenance business, Wilson Custodial Service until 1999. He had contracts with many prominent local Ventura businesses. He decided to return to the workforce and took a position at the new senior living community of AlmaVia of Camarillo as the Facilities Director until he retired in 2005.

Napoleon accepted Christ into his heart at a young age and continued to love the Lord throughout his life. Family was a top priority with him. He was always available with kind words, wisdom, and gave advice for anyone in need help. Nap got much enjoyment from Horse Racing. You could see him at Seaside Park where he loved to meet and mingle with friends, and yes he did win. He would refer to it as going to work. Nap was a longtime member of American Legion Ventura Post 339 and The Ventura Elks Lodge 1430. He had great passion for jazz, proud of his service to his country in the USMC, and loved to watch old Humphrey Bogart movies. He treasured his football, basketball, and golf. He loved to socialize and he definitely was loaded with charisma. He was truly a people person; anyone that met him admired him. The party didn’t start until Nap walked in the door.

Napoleon was an adored son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is preceded in death by his father Napoleon Wilson, his sister Willie Ruth (Peaches) Blazer, great-grandchildren Amia and Amya Rippey, and his mother-in-law Dorothy Earley. Nap will be sorely missed by all of his family and friends who knew him and loved him. The world is a sadder place without Nap; it truly lost a great treasure. He is survived by his loving wife of 22 years Deianna Wilson, mother Mary Gladys Wilson, daughter Bridget Espinoza (Robert), step-daughter Lynette Martinez (Albert), siblings: Verdell Wilson, Cynthia Gordon (Will), Elaine Graham (Richard), Ernestine (Ernie) Wilson, sister-in-law Maryellen Floyd (Scott), 10 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life for Napoleon will be help on Saturday, May 28 from 11am-2pm at the VFW, 3801 Market Street, Ventura.

Arrangements are under the care of Charles Carroll Funeral Home, 15 Teloma Drive, Ventura, CA 93003. (805) 642-1834