Wilbert Raymond Wilson went to be with the Lord on December 31, 2010 at the age of 100 years and 5 months. He was born July 12, 1910 in Cairo, Missouri, son of John Allen and Margaret Wilson. Wilbert attended Moberly School and lettered in four different sports. He then attended Moberly Junior College for two years and graduated from Chillicothe Business College in Chillicothe, Missouri two years later. In 1932, he opened a grocery store in Clifton Hill, Missouri where he met the love of his life, Ruth McLean Stenton. They were married on May 11, 1934 and traveled in a 1934 Chevrolet to California for their honeymoon. They liked it so well, they decided to stay for the next 64 years. Their two precious children, Raymond Allen and Louann Vogelmann were born in Los Angeles. In California, Wilbert owned and operated a car agency for 36 years. He also served his country in the Merchant Marines during World War II. He and Ruth returned to Missouri in 1998 to be near their children in Springfield. Last year, Ruth and Wilbert celebrated 75 wonderful years of marriage, surrounded by their beloved family and friends. This year, Wilbert and the family were proud that he had reached the age of 100 years. Family and friends celebrated Wilbert's and Ruth's birthdays at the Montclair Retirement Community where they had recently become residents. Up to one month ago, Wilbert was still driving, and on his 100th birthday was pleased to have his driver's license renewed for another 3 years. Wilbert is survived by his wonderful wife, Ruth; two children and their spouses; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Funeral services are planned for Tuesday, January 4, 2010 at 2 p.m., in Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel, Springfield with a graveside service in Clifton Hill Cemetery, Missouri on Wednesday at 1 p.m. Visitation will be Tuesday from 1 p.m. until service time in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Clifton Hill Methodist Church, 469 Sears Street, Clifton Hill, Missouri 65244-1035. Wilbert Raymond Wilson
