Roger Wilson

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Roger Allen Wilson entered into rest at 3:51 p.m. on Friday, October 15, 2021, at his home. He was born March 8, 1952, in Waterloo, Iowa, in Blackhawk County to Robert Allen and Dorothy Olathe (Foutch) Wilson.

Roger wrote, “I had a wonderful mother who raised me, Laverna P. Staley- Wilson. I was a fortunate man to have had two wives. My first, Judith K. Thompson, deceased. I also had one that was the best wife a man could ask for. I was married for 24 years; I did not think anyone else could put up with me. I had endless love of Claudia Ann Crosby-Wilson, deceased, and I and now with her and Jesus in heaven.”

Roger served in the U.S. Army for four years and six months from 1971 to 1975. He was a Vietnam Combat Veteran and receiving an Honorable Discharge. He reenlisted and was given an Honorable Discharge one year later due to exposure to Agent Orange in February of 1976. As a result of his exposure, he was diagnosed with cancer. 

Roger was a Crew Chief Door Gunner on a Bell Huey during his tours, with over 1200 combat hours, and was shot down five times. He was an E-5 Sergeant earning several military decorations such as The Good Conduct Medal, Army Commendation-two Oak Leaves including a Letter of Commendation from President Richard Nixon, an Air Medal 2-11, Vietnam Service, Vietnam Campaign, Vietnam Consolidation, Crew Member Wings, Expert Rifle and National Defense Medals.

Roger was a lifetime member of the V.F.W. and D.A.V. He was a commander and past commander of the American Legion in Neosho, Missouri, and a member of the 40/8.

Roger loved to travel and ride his motorcycle, going to Silver Dollar City with very good friends, and going to plays. He was also a member of the Silver Follies for several years, where they would write their script and put on plays for the community. 

Roger was a volunteer auxiliary representative for Freeman Hospital in Neosho; he helped with Bright Futures by helping pack food for children, served as a Chaplin of the 15th District, was a member of the International Christian Fellowship as an ordained minister of the Gospel, and was a member of the Exchange Club of Neosho, Missouri.

Roger received his G.E.D. in 1983 then moved on to attend Moberly Junior College in Moberly, Missouri.

He is survived by numerous family and friends, siblings, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren across the United States, who love him very much.

He is preceded in death by his two mother’s Dorthy Olathe (Foutch) Wilson and Laverna P. (Staley) Wilson, his father, Robert Allen Wilson, and his first and second wives.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 21, 2021, at the Clark Funeral Home Chapel of Memories in Neosho, Missouri. Visitation will be held from 3:00- 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 20, in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested contributions be made to the Neosho Bright Futures c/o Clark Funeral Home, P.O. Box 66 Neosho, MO 64850.