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Obituary for Wesley James Wilson
Wesley James Wilson, a long time resident of Milford, was born on a farm in Wixom on Feb. 7, 1921. Because the doctor visited the court house in Pontiac only once a week, his official birthday was registered as Feb. 13th. He enjoyed ninety three yearsl of celebrating two birthdays.
He met his beloved wife, Ruth Marion (age 15), at her father�s farm on Maple Road, which is now the location of Maple Beach in Kensington Park. Shortly afterward, he joined the Navy and served 3 years at Pearl Harbor. During the war, Ruth and Wes began writing letters to each other. Once the war was over, Wes returned to the Milford area and their love blossomed. They married on June 22, 1946 at St. Leo�s church in Detroit. At the end of their wedding service, the bells of the church chimed in celebration of, what was to be, a long love affair of 68 years.
Wes was a man of integrity and a gentle spirit. With Ruth he lovingly raised four sons, Wesley James Jr, Gerald, Donald and Robert. He reveled in coaching the three oldest boys in baseball, and supporting his youngest son�s artistic endeavors. He enjoyed life with his grandchildren Jennifer, Mathew and Michelle. Together they rode tractors, played cowboys and Indians, dressed up for Halloween and sang silly songs. He was a generous and sensitive father and grandfather who was steadfast in his devotion to his family. Though he rarely expressed his love in words, his many actions spoke volumes. His family knew that they were the most important thing in his life.
During their marriage, Wes and Ruth worked together to build two homes. The first on Maple Road began as a small, one bedroom house. Together they dug footings, poured cement, installed windows and laid floors. The neighbors always knew when another little Wilson would soon be joining the family because they added an addition to the house before each new arrival.
Wes worked at General Motors Proving Grounds for more than 35 years. For most of that time, he was the Electrical Maintenance Supervisor. He was known as a fair and kind manager, whose quick wit and sense of humor kept things lively. During the workday, he kept his colleagues entertained with stories and jokes. His humor was well known and friends and family looked forward to hearing the latest. Much to Ruth�s dismay, many were bawdy and not quite appropriate, but she laughed anyway.
During retirement, Wes took up woodworking. He made cradles and clocks, which became gifts for those around him. Many little girls in the Milford area still play with their dollies and put them to bed in the cradles Wes made. His granddaughters, Jennifer and Michelle were the first recipients. Twenty years later, his great-granddaughter, Isabella, received the last.
In the past few years, his greatest joy was spending time with his great-grand children, Owen and Isabella. He loved watching them play. He introduced Owen to gardening. Together they would plant the seeds and, when the time came, reap the harvest. Wes had Owen convinced that when they dug the potatoes, they would be made of gold.
Perhaps the most important thing in their life together was Ruth and Wes�s faith in God and trust that God would take care of all things according to His plan. Wes was baptized at St. Mary�s church, the same church that will commit him to the Lord. He and Ruth were active members for many years, supporting three building programs, donating to the bells fund, working at church fairs, and attending mass with their family. As Wes leaves St. Mary�s for the last time, the bells will chime. The bells of St. Mary�s are the original bells that rang at Wes and Ruth�s wedding at St. Leo�s 68 years ago. It was God�s plan that it be so.
Wesley leaves behind his beloved wife, Ruth Marion, his sons, Wesley James Jr. and Donald; his daughter-in-law, Patty; grandchildren Jennifer (Dan), Mathew, Michelle; great grandchildren, Owen, Isabella, Magnolia and Jerry; his sister Rene (Jack) Pulliam and many loving nieces, nephews and friends.
He now joins his sons Gerald and Robert in heaven.
Visitation will be held at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty St., Milford, on Thursday, October 23, 3-8PM with a Rosary at 7PM.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church, 1955 E. Commerce Rd., Milford, on Friday, October 24, at 11AM with The Rev. Msgr. John Budde officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary�s Cemetery. Memorials may be made in his name to Capuchin Soup Kitchen. For further information please phone 248-684-6645.
