Joseph Henry Wilson was born on January 25, 1919 to Jesse Maude and Ivan T. Wilson in Elwood, Missouri. He passed away on Sunday, December 13, 2015 in his home in Springfield, Missouri.

Joe was a wonderful man who wore many hats; his main one was being a Christian. He was a member of Elwood United Methodist Church and attended King's Way United Methodist Church. He was a son, husband, brother, uncle, "DAD", grandfather, great-grandfather, great uncle, neighbor and friend to everyone that was fortunate to know him.

He attended Elwood School and Bois D'Arc High School and graduated from State Teacher's College (MSU) in 1940. He was drafted into the Army at Jefferson Barracks in April 1941 to serve the next five years in World War II. His unit was moved from Little Rock to Salinas Army Air Base. He tested to become an officer and went to Officers Candidate School in Miami Beach, Florida. He became an officer in Fighter Command, Intelligence with the 1st Fighter Group in Hawaii. He then became a part of the 7th Air Force that became the 13th Air Force Command and went to Guadalcanal in 1945 and then to the Philippines. He was promoted to Major in June 1945 and received an honorable discharge in 1946.

He held several different positions throughout the years of which took him to many diverse locations with a variety of companies. His career led him to the furniture industry. He was general manager for many years at Gilbert Furniture until his retirement. While working in the furniture business he met the love of his life Lena Bowser and they married in 1962. He not only gained a wife but a ready-made family of two daughters and a grandchild, later to be three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

He was a strong MSU Bears fan of both the men and women basketball teams. He gleaned much pleasure attending these games with his sister Kay Thomas and nephew Mike Long.

God has not put a better man on this earth. We have all said that if you went to order the perfect brother, uncle, father or grandfather you would not find a better person.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Lena. He is survived by his sister, Kay Thomas; nephew Mike Long and wife, Cathy, their son Wil, and daughter, Nancy Taylor and her husband, Robert and their daughter Aubrey all of Springfield. Two daughters, Karen Fesperman, of Springfield and her son, Brent Fesperman, his wife Renee and children Landon and Landry of Rogersville; and son Bart Fesperman and wife LeaAnn and sons, Logan, Dylan and Ryan of Phoenix, Arizona. Daughter Tammy Corbin and her husband Lynn, and their daughter Tracye Corbin, her husband Toby Ziegler and their son Aidan, all of Springfield.

The family would like to express their appreciation to all of his caregivers. A special thanks goes to Valery Moore who was not only a wonderful caregiver but a special friend. The family would be remiss if they didn't mention his special beloved cat, Midnight. Joe found great pleasure from having his pet by his side.

In lieu of Flowers, the family suggests that donations can be made to the American Heart Association, Alzheimer Association, Prostate Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, December 22, 2015 in King's Way United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Clear Creek Cemetery.