Arthur Wilson

Arthur S. Wilson, 82, of Cape Girardeau died Friday, March 9, 2007, in Cape Girardeau. He spent his entire life in the Godfrey, Ill., area until moving to Cape Girardeau in 2003 to live with his daughter. He went to live at the Missouri Veterans Home in 2005.

He was born April 2, 1924, in Hardinsburg, Ky., son of the late Arthur and Mildred Osborn Wilson. He and Helen Marie Howard were married Feb. 18, 1947, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alton, Ill. She preceded him in death on Dec. 14, 2002.

The World War II U.S. Navy veteran served throughout the Pacific Theater and the occupation of Japan, returning home aboard the USS Randall. Wilson then went to work for Shell Oil Co. for 18 years, leaving to own and operate the Wilson Construction Co. for 28 years until retiring and becoming a driver for Madison Co. Transit for another eight years. He was a lifelong member of the VFW Post 1308, the Alton Wood River Moose Lodge and the Carpenter's Union.

Survivors include a daughter, Sharon Witty of Cape Girardeau; a son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Becky Wilson of Godfrey; six grandchildren, Brian (Sandy) Witty, Scott (Lauri) Witty, Dawn Witty, Ross Wilson, Ben Wilson and Melanie (A.J.) Miller; four brothers, John Wilson of Arkansas, Roy A. Dooley of Chicago, Don Dooley of Franklin, Ill., David Dooley of Bismarck, Mo.; four great-grandchildren, Joe and Samantha Witty, Olivia and Maya Miller.

He was a big man with a big heart and will be sadly missed by his loving family.

Private family services with burial will take place March 24, 2007.

Memorials may be made to the Guillain-Barre Syndrome Foundation, The Holly Building, 104 1/2 Forrest Ave., Narberth, Pa. 19072 or the American Cancer Society.

Gent Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Online information and guest book may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com.