Gene Wilson, 86, died on Oct 12, 2023, at home in Tulsa OK. He was born Oct. 10, 1937, in Quincy Kansas to Claude and Georgia Wilson. Gene graduated from El Dorado High School, Class of 1955. He enlisted in the Air Force and retired after a 25-year career as a Flight Engineer on C-130s. He was married to his beloved wife, Jane Pekarek in 1958 and would have celebrated their 65th anniversary Oct. 25th. After the Air Force moved his family to Maine, Guam, Texas, Oklahoma, New Hampshire and Hawaii with temporary duty all over the world and 3 tours of duty totaling 3 years during the Vietnam War, he retired to Tulsa OK.

Gene was the silent rock of strength, laughter and love in our family and will be sorely missed. In his leisure time Gene played guitar in several bands through the years, was an avid woodworker, creating wooden cars, jeeps, semis and other toys that were much sought after. He cared for his grandson Jared from 6 weeks to 5 years, until he started school, teaching him how to use woodworking, mechanical and electrical tool correctly and safely. While stationed in Hawaii, Gene earned his Airframe and Powerplant License and his single engine and helicopter pilot licenses. He purchased his first airplane when the family moved to Abilene Texas and flew every chance he got, taking the family on many trips.

Gene is survived by his wife, Jane, daughter Denise and her husband Don Williams, son, Gregg Wilson, grandsons Jared Williams and his wife, Heather, Cameron and Devon Wilson and great grandchildren, Caylee and Wyatt Williams, sister Karen White and brother, Larry Wilson. He is proceeded in death by his brother Bill Wilson.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Thur., Oct 19, 2023, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 3612 E 91st, Tulsa OK.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Gene Wilson's name can be made to the American Diabetes Association at diabetes.org < http://diabetes.org > or by mail.