Gene Franklin Wilson

Gene F. Wilson, 87 of Champion Township, departed this life Wednesday afternoon, December 12, 2018, at his home. He was born January 21, 1931 in Fowler, the son of the late Earl J. and Elza Trumbull Wilson. Gene was a graduate of Fowler High School. He then served in the U.S. Army 3rd infantry division as a staff sergeant during the Korean War, receiving three campaign bronze service stars and the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart, for wounds received in Korea in November 1952. Gene worked at VanHuffel Sheet &Tube for 36 years, retiring in 1985. Gene was fondly known as "the Groundskeeper" for the excellent job he did mowing lawns. He was admired for keeping his automobiles in pristine condition. He was a longtime member of the Cortland United Methodist Church and a lifetime member of the Johnston Bailey Barto VFW Post No. 7614. His wife of 16 years years, Elsie M. Harper Luzier Wilson, whom he married July 22, 1970, preceded him in death October 9, 1986. One brother, Harry Wilson; two sisters, Mini Almburg and Mary Alyce Hannawalt and his stepson, J. Edward Luzier also have preceded in death. He is survived by one brother, Carl Wilson of Cortland; stepdaughters, Helen Luzier (Earl "Buzz") Hedrick of Riverton, West Va., Paula Luzier Jones of Warren, Ginger Gordon of Excelsior, Minn. and Robin Gordon of Dublin, Calif.; one stepson, Tom (Carol) Luzier of Warren; a granddaughter, Amber Luzier of Newton Falls as well as numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Gene will be deeply missed by his companion of over 30 years, Carol J. Collier Gordon of Champion. The memorial gathering and service will be held on Genes birthday, Monday, January 21, 2019 at Champion Christian Church with Pastor Ken Hopkins Jr. officiating, the time to be announced. Burial will be at Hillside Cemetery in Bazetta. Arrangements were entrusted to Lane Family Funeral Homes, Shafer-Winans Chapel in Cortland. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Youngstown,OH 44512 or to the Cortland United Methodist Church, 155 N. High St.., Cortland,OH 44410. Online condolences may be made to the family and the obituary viewed at www.shaferwinanschapel.com