John Hobart Wilson (Swede), 83 of Odell Oregon died Thursday, September 18, 2008 at his home.
Funeral service with Military Honors will be held on Tuesday, September23, 2008 at 2:00 P.M. at Anderson’s Tribute Center.
He was born at Hot Springs Idaho on May 21, 1925 to Clarence E Wilson and Polly Esther Lathrop Wilson. He married Ruth Loraine Rickenbach Lesbo on September 2, 1956 at Grandview Idaho. They just celebrated their 52nd anniversary.
He is survived by his wife Ruth, and their children Linda and Ed Gomez, Tonei and Mick Whitecotton, Peter John and Laura Lesbo, Mike and Shirley Lesbo, Pat and Linda Lesbo, Clarence Wilson, and Jim and Kelli Wilson. He is also survived by 27 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother and his brother Ernest Wilson and his sister Effie Deming.
He served as a corporal in the 4th and 6th Marine Division in the South Pacific Theatre in World War II. He fought in battles on Okinawa, the Mariana Islands, the Marshall Islands and numerous other campaigns. He was extremely proud of his service to our country, and looked forward to the Marine reunions that he attended yearly.
After his service he worked in the mines in Nevada until 1955. At that time he became a Union Ironworker. During his career, he worked on Brownlee, Oxbow, Hells Canyon, John Day and Bonneville Dams. He also worked on many other bridges, buildings and projects including supervising the crews that closed the lids on the minute men missile silos across the west. He retired at the age of 62, but continued to work on his cattle ranch until his death.
His hobbies included fishing, hunting, and most importantly being with his family. He looked forward to family reunions, holiday gatherings, camping trips, hunting trips and watching his grandkids.
He was a member of the Elks, the American Legion, and the Parkdale Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to a favorite charity.
Concluding services and interment will be held in Bruneau, Idaho.
Arrangements by Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals, Receptions, Cremations), 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, OR 97031. Please visit www.andersonstributecenter.com to view and print the obituary and sign the guest book for family.