Thomas 'Tom' E. Wilson

Thomas "Tom" E. Wilson, 87, of Evansville passed away Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009, at Cypress Grove Rehabilitation Center in Newburgh.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Dorothy Wilson.

Tom was the youngest of three children born and raised in Lewisburg, Tenn. He was the first in his family to finish a bachelor's degree, graduating from the Bowling Green College of Commerce in 1947.

His college years were divided by service in the Army during World War II. Cpl. Wilson eventually served for 13 months in France and Germany during the rebuilding years after the war.

He met Dorothy Martin, of Providence, Ky., while both were students in Bowling Green, Ky. Married in 1943, they traveled from base to base for over a year before she returned to Providence to await his return from Europe.

They moved to Evansville in 1948 and he taught for many years at Lockyear College of Business. His other employments included Channel 7 ABC, Traylor Brothers, National Fence Company and retirement from The Fireside Gallery.

He was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church, St. James East United Methodist Church, and Methodist Temple, where he served in a variety of leadership roles.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two children, Martha (Larry) Kruse of Evansville and Rev. Dr. P.T. Wilson of Greencastle; and his only grandson, David (Hayley) Kruse.

Mr. Wilson was a strong supporter of his grandson's basketball years at Central High School and attended most games his grandson coached in Spencer County.

Friends may visit Sunday from 2 to 8 p.m. at Alexander East Chapel, Evansville. Services will be 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, with graveside services at 2 p.m. at Big Hill Cemetery in Providence.

The family wishes to express their many thanks to Dr. Patrick Flamion, his colleagues and staff for the 30 years of good care he received and to the staff of Cypress Grove Rehabilitation in Newburgh for the care Tom Wilson received during the last 19 months.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cypress Grove Rehabilitation Center, 4255 Medwell Drive, Newburgh, IN 47630; St. Bernard School, 547 Elm Street, Rockport, IN 47635; or to Gobin Memorial United Methodist Church's, Thank You or Musician's funds at 307 Simpson, Greencastle, IN 46135.

Condolences may be made online at www.mem.com.