Gary Lee Wilson

I place this class…Gary Lee Wilson, 81, of Markleville, passed away Wednesday, July 26, 2023 tragically, in Indianapolis.  He was born January 19, 1942 in Wilkinson, Indiana, the son of the late Robert Eugene and Florence Evelyn (Bear) Wilson.

He graduated from Wilkinson High School as the Salutatorian and Vice-President of the class of 1960. Superhog himself was a member and an officer of the FarmHouse Fraternity, Purdue University Chapter, 1960-1964. He went on to obtain a master’s degree from Purdue University, where he met then married Kathryn Louise Davis on June 28, 1964.

Put your plaid sports coat on, tape your glasses together, and tuck that steno notebook in the back of your belt, this is when Gary began his passionate dedication to the students of Pendleton Heights High School, as an Agriculture Teacher and an FFA Advisor. He instilled a strong work ethic and the power to push through, in not only his own children, but the students that he also raised.  Gary deeply cared for his students; he saw something in people that they couldn’t. He pulled that strength out of friends’ and strangers’ hearts and showed them they could do the hard things. There wasn’t a person he met that couldn’t call him when they needed him. Gary had a light within him that was shown worldwide as he shared his love of agriculture and animals. His integrity and fortitude continue as his students become teachers because of his legacy. Gary did all things lacking vanity. He sacrificed time, money, and energy to instill a fiery love of being the best that you can be with what you were given.  Sometimes that meant you got in the back of a pick-up and went judging or showing a sheep or a pig on a Saturday morning. Gary was a dyed in the wool mentor that believed in everyone getting a chance. He supported and grew the trades program, because he saw a spark in kids, that were given up on by others, that they deserved a future. He was raised a Master Mason June 14, 1963 at the age of 21 years old pledging 60 years to the Markleville Masonic Lodge #629. Gary’s work and enthusiasm to continue and better the Poland China Swine Breed was proven as he received the 2023 Indiana Poland China Distinguished Service Award.

He is survived by his wife Kathy Wilson, two sons; Travis (Allison) Wilson, Justin (Priscilla) Wilson; daughter, Shannon Wilson; grandchildren, Wyatt Eugene Lee, Preslie Dawn, Gatlin Robert, Colter Jason Storm, Kaydence Marie, and Carson Robert; sister, Jeanne Huntzinger; nieces; Molly Judd and Jessica Meredith; great-niece, Kiersten Judd; special cousin; Elmer Gene Wilson, and dear friend Tom Younts.

He is preceded in death by his parents and daughter Megan Wilson.

Visitation will be Monday, July 31, 2023 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Funeral service will be held Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. at Condo and St. Pierre Funeral Service, 130 Main St., Wilkinson, IN. Pastor Rick Hutson will be officiating.  Burial to follow at McCray Cemetery, Wilkinson.

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