Wilson - J.E. Wilson, 76, of Newaygo passed away in his home Saturday, November 15, 2008 with his wife, Vivene, and son, Jamie at his side.  J.E. was cared for by his wife, children, and grand-children with the support of Heartland hospice during his last days.  J.E. will be lovingly remembered for his sense of humor, commitment to his family and community, his patriotism, and desire to help those he knew and loved.  J.E. loved to fish, spend time with family and friends, fix things, and enjoyed a good story.  The last years of his life were spent with his wife in their home on the Muskegon River where he watched the birds and squirrels enjoy the feeders he built, took care of his lawn with enthusiasm, and hosted campfire gatherings from time to time.  J.E. is preceded in death by his father and mother, Willie and Myrtle Wilson, brothers J.W., J.R., and William Wilson, sisters Evaline Bruce and Catherine Luttrell, son, Tom Wilson, grandson Christian Wilson, and his faithful dog Ace. 

He is survived by his wife Vivene Wilson, sons Jamie and Jimmy (Donna) Wilson, daughters Laurie (Ross) Wellman, Rita Kay, Natalie (Tom) Sherwood, Jane Marie (Keith) Schenk, and Betsy Wilson, 16 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren who will miss their "Bumpa", his brother J.B. "Jabbo" (Doris) Wilson and sisters Christine White, and Josephine (Vernon) Miller. 

Visitation for the family will be held 2-4 & 6-8 PM Tuesday at the McKinley Funeral Home in Newaygo.  A service to honor J.E. is planned for 11 AM Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at the VFW Post #4249 of Newaygo.  Interment will be in the Newaygo Cemetery followed by a luncheon at the VFW Post.  In lieu of flowers please consider donations to the Newaygo VFW Post and/or Heartland hospice of Newaygo County