John R. Wilson

John Robert Wilson, age 90, of Versailles, Illinois passed away at 9:51 p.m. Thursday, November 24, 2022 at Heritage Health, Therapy and Senior Care in Mt. Sterling. 

He was born December 14, 1931 in Versailles, Illinois the son of Roy Van and Mildred Eugenia Saxer Wilson.   He married Jeanette Crowell on November 27, 1955 and to this union 3 sons were born, Robert Van, Douglas Alan, and Jon Eric.  

John attended a one room schoolhouse until 8th grade, which was within walking distance of his home, and then graduated from Mt. Sterling High School with the class of 1949.

John was active in farming for 40 years in rural Versailles, Illinois which was always his first love.  He also worked at National Starch in Meredosia for five years, spent three years at the Illinois Department of Transportation, three years working at the Jacksonville Developmental Center and also worked part time for the National Census Bureau. John was a devoted caregiver to his mother, Mildred Wilson, for several years prior to her death at age 98.  He served on the Brown County School Board for 9 years and was also a member of the Versailles Christian Church, the Beardstown Elks Club, the Rushville Moose Lodge and the Brown County Farm Bureau.  Later in life, John took pride in gardening and raising produce which he was generous in sharing with his family and friends.  He was known to be very particular about gardening, cooking and keeping his house maintained.  During the many years of the Wilson Deer Camp, John prepared an extensive spread of food that was enjoyed by all.  He always loved family history and especially enjoyed family gatherings.  A favorite pastime was having coffee while visiting with friends and telling stories about the old days in Versailles and Brown County. 

Survivors include 3 sons Robert Van Wilson (Ann) of Mt. Sterling, Douglas Alan Wilson (Suzie) and Jon Eric Wilson (Tammy) all of Versailles.  5 grandchildren Sarah Roenna (Michael) of Plainfield, Illinois, Kathy Anderson (Rob) of Lake St. Louis, Missouri, Kristen Wagner (Gary) and Jacob Wilson (Anna) all of Mt. Sterling, Illinois and Quintin Bradbury of Kansas City, Missouri.7 great grandchildren Cole and Hayden Roenna, Henry and Lukas Anderson, Brooks and Briley Wagner and Theo Wilson also survive along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 grandson Drew Wilson, 2 sisters Barbara Miller and Louise Penington and 1 nephew Rick Penington.  

Cremation will be accorded and a memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Monday, November 28, 2022 in the Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling with Pastor Charla Meyers officiating.  

Private burial in the VanDeventer Cemetery near Versailles, Illinois will take place at a later date. 

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services on Monday at the funeral home. 

Memorials are suggested to the Versailles Community Building Restoration Fund.

Condolences for the family may be left on line at hendrickerfuneralhome.com. 

The Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling is assisting the family with the arrangements. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John R. Wilson, please visit our floral store.