SMSGT Harold Lewis Wilson

Harold Lewis Wilson, 89, passed on May 17, 2026. Harold was born at home on February 6, 1937, in Brookville, Ohio, to the late Jesse H. and Hannah Sarrah (Gehron) Wilson. He began working on a neighbor’s farm at a young age, which served as the foundation for a lifelong, unwavering work ethic. He graduated from Dixie High School in 1955 and immediately joined the United States Air Force. Harold dedicated 21 years of honorable service, including two tours in Thailand during the Vietnam War. During these tours, he was exposed to Agent Orange and battled the resulting long-term health complications throughout his life. Harold spent most of his military career where he loved to be—working as an aircraft mechanic. Following his Air Force retirement as a Senior Master Sergeant, he took a year “off” and built a garage with an attached pole/cattle barn by hand. He then began a second career as a civil servant, working another 14 years at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base where his last assignment was in the Aeronautical Systems Division. With the GI Bill, Harold earned his degree in Business Management from Park College by attending night school while also working full-time as a civil servent. In his spare time, Harold bought, renovated, and sold several houses to finance a winter home in Lake Havasu, Arizona. While stationed at Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, New York, Harold met the love of his life, Carol E. Rowlands, of Holland Patent, New York. They married in July of 1957 and shared a beautiful, devoted marriage of 69 years. He and Carol raised their own family while also helping to raise more than 10 beloved foster children. Above all else, Harold was deeply family-oriented and fiercely proud of every generation. Harold is survived by his beloved wife, Carol; his children, Richard L. Wilson (Jean), Russell L. Wilson, and Elizabeth M. Young (Norm); and Michelle Schell (Brian) and Nicole Adams (Randy), whom he loved as his own. He is also survived by his eleven grandchildren, Forrest Wilson (Natalie), Rebecca Hepp (Rob), Heather Lindberg (Andrew), Austin Wilson (Danielle), JP Wilson (Lacey), Shane Wilson, Chelsea Fox (Brian), Seth Young (Kat), Tyler Dendler (Divya), Kelly Dendler, and Allyson DePiano (Andrea); his 16 great-grandchildren; and his beloved niece, Bonnie Morgan (Jim), and nephew, Jon Michael. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Hannah Wilson; his brothers, Donald and Delbert Wilson; and his sisters, Myrtle, Mildred, and Martha. Services will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Adkins Funeral Home in Enon, Ohio. Visitation for family and friends will begin at 4:00 PM, followed by a memorial service at 5:00 PM, concluding with full military honor. Harold's family asks that in-lieu-of flowers donations be made to St. Jude. st.jude.org

SMSGT Harold Lewis Wilson

February 6, 1937 - May 17, 2026