John A. Wilson, 81, 67 Southmoor Shores Drive, St. Marys OH, also of Holiday, Florida, died at 3:23 p.m. Thursday, April 17, 2008 at his St. Marys residence.  

John was born March 8, 1927 in Smithfield, OH, the son of Wylie and Elizabeth (Long) Wilson. 

He married Dolores Drake on November 1, 1949.  She preceded him in death on July 13, 2004.  

Also preceding him in death were his parents, two sisters: Laura Panella and Ruth Schmidt, and two brothers:  Wylie and Harold Wilson. 

He is survived by:

· Son, Larry (Mary) Wilson, St. Marys, OH

· Son, Greg (Margarita) Wilson, St. Marys, OH

· Four Grandsons: Chris, Nick, Mike and Eric

· Eight Great-Grandchildren: Ben, Zach, Becca, Samantha, Riley, Peyton, Brandy and Jeremy Wilson.

· Sister, Sara Dinovo of Aurora, OH 

John was a veteran of the United States Army and the retired 37 year-owner of Wilson Sewing and Music Store in St. Marys.  He loved music, water skiing, and vegetable gardening.  He had an unsurpassed work ethic and was a big hearted family man, who loved to spend his free time with family and friends.  He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and active supporter of Agape Ministries, both located in St. Marys.  He was a Master Mason, belonging to Mercer Lodge #121-Free and Accepted Masons, where he received his 50 year pin.  He was also a member of  St. Marys American Legion, Post #323.

Funeral services for Mr. Wilson were held April 22, 2009 at Miller-Long and Folk Funeral Home in St.Marys, OH with burial following at Elm Grove Cemetery, St.Marys, OH.