Robert Lee "Bob" Wilson, of Dixon, was born December 28, 1931, at DeSoto, a son of Arthur and Verna Opal (Gibbs) Wilson, and departed this life at 7:26 a.m., Saturday, May 24, 2014, in the Missouri Veterans Home, St. James. Mr. Wilson had attained the age of 82 years, 4 months, and 27 days.

Mr. Wilson was united in marriage on June 23, 1952, at Piggott, Arkansas, to LaVonne Fern Saunders, and to this union, seven children were born. He was preceded in death by twin sons, Robert Lee Wilson, Jr. and James Lee Wilson; his parents; one brother, Nelson Wilson; and two sisters, Catherine Rodgers and Wanda Martin.

On July 1, 1950, Mr. Wilson entered into active federal service in the Army of the United States and served until July 1, 1972, when he was honorably discharged, at the rank of Master Sergeant. A man of excellent character, Robert's "Honorable Discharge" is a testimonial of honest and faithful service to his country during the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam Era. Following his 22 year military career he was employed as a United States Postal worker for 20 years prior to retiring.

He was a member of the Wheeler Church of Christ, near Dixon, and enjoyed farming, gardening, fishing, hunting, and being outdoors. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend and will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Those left to mourn his passing include: His wife, LaVonne Wilson of the home near Dixon; two sons, Robert Arthur Wilson and wife, Linda, Farmington; and Derrell Evan Wilson, Salado, Texas; three daughters, Vicki Elaine Brown and husband, Jim, Dixon; Marcey Lynette Knight, Box Elder, South Dakota; and Kathy Ann Webber and husband, Gary, Rolla; three brothers, Edward Wilson, Wrens, Georgia; Loren Wilson and wife, Gloria, Essex; Jim Wilson and wife, Janie, Morgantown, Kentucky; one sister, Anna Lois Malone and husband, Floyd, Phoenix, Arizona; fifteen grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were conducted for Mr. Wilson at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 28, 2014, in the Dixon Chapel of the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Homes, with Bro. Rick Pitchford, Salem Church of Christ, officiating; and Tommy Nichols read the eulogy. The Wheeler Church of Christ singers, sang "Amazing Grace", "Precious Memories", and "How Great Thou Art"; and selections of "I Believe" and "Daddy's Hands" were played for the funeral service.

Interment and full military honors were in the Wheeler Cemetery, near Dixon, under the direction of the Dixon Chapel of the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Homes. Pallbearers were son, Robert A. Wilson, grandsons, Andres S.. Brown, Brian J. Brown, Eric B. Knight, Brandt M. Webber, and Craig A. Wilson. Honorary pallbearers were son, Derrell E. Wilson, grandsons, Zackary J. Knight and Conley J. Knight.

Memorial contributions are suggested per the wishes of the family with envelopes available at the Dixon Office of the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Homes.