John Wilson Sr.

SIKESTON, Mo. -- John Lewis Wilson Sr., 86, of Sikeston died Friday, May 7, 2004, at his home.

He was born Sept. 15, 1917, in Sikeston, son of Randol and Kathryn Tanner Wilson. He and Hazelle Young were married Jan. 30, 1938, in Sikeston.

Wilson attended the University of Missouri. He was a farm manager, farmer and land broker, managing the Tanner Farms more than 70 years.

He was a member of First United Methodist Church, Sikeston Masonic Lodge 310 AF&AM, a 32nd Degree Mason, a Shriner and member of Moolah Temple in St. Louis, and an original member of SEMO Shrine Mounted Patrol.

Wilson helped start the Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo in 1952. He was past president of the Lions Club, committee chairman of Sikeston Chamber of Commerce, a teacher for veterans after World War II and chairman of the National Fertilizer Association.

He had been an Eagle Scout and a scout leader.

Wilson served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II.

Survivors include his wife; a son, John Wilson Jr.; a daughter, Penney Limbach of Birmingham, Ala.; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a sister and a granddaughter.

Friends may call after noon Monday at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at the chapel, with the Rev. William Koch officiating. Private burial will be at a later date.