Earl Keith Wilson

Earl Keith Wilson, 89, of Olney, Illinois, passed away June 22, 2025 at Helia Healthcare of Olney.

Earl was born April 5, 1936 in West Salem, Illinois, the son of Aaron and Lucy (Knight) Wilson. He married Lena Turpin on December 18, 1954 in Richland County, Illinois, and she survives.

Earl served in the US Army from 1954-57 and was a part of the First Armored Division (The Big Red One), 44th Tank Division. He was stationed in Germany and afterward Fort Riley, KS. After his time in the service, he returned to Richland County and worked in the oilfield.

Earl enjoyed fishing and hunting and spending time with his grandchildren. He liked to watch baseball and basketball on television and attending his grandson’s baseball games.

Earl is survived by his wife of over 70 years, Lena Wilson of Olney; son, Joey E. Wilson and wife Randi of Olney; daughter, Penny Jo Higgins of Olney; grandchildren, Joshua Joe Wilson of Olney, Samantha Jo (fiancée, Andrew Neal) Higgins of Olney; great grandchildren, Rolen Keith (Icesis Russell) Wilson, Brady Joe Wilson, Aven Rex Wilson, Cooper Joe Neal; and soon to arrive great-great granddaughter, Sophia May Wilson; sisters, Ina Atwood and Judith (J.D.) Crask; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Aaron Wilson and Lucy Wilson Kennedy and step-father, Rev. Herbert "Doc" Kennedy; grandson, Lewis David Higgins Jr.; father and mother-in-law, Samuel and Joy Turpin-Vaughn; brothers, James W. Wilson and Charles Eddie Wilson; brothers-in-law, Lowell Atwood, Robert Turpin, and Kenneth Turpin; sister-in-law, Frieda Wilson; nephew, Steven Atwood, Sr.; and nieces, Cheryl Allison and Betty Brown.

Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home in Olney has been entrusted with arrangements.

A visitation will be held for friends and family from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home in Olney.

The funeral service for Earl will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at the funeral home.

Interment will follow at Maple Dale Cemetery in Olney with Full Military Rites performed at the graveside.