Ralph Wilson

Ralph O. Wilson, 82, of Iola, Kansas, died Monday, May 9, 2016, at Windsor Place in Iola. Ralph was born August 20, 1933, on the family farm west of Iola, the son of Ray L. "Buck" and Anna L. (Townsend) Wilson. He grew up on the farm and attended West Liberty Grade School through 8th grade. On November 10, 1952, Ralph married Dolores Joan Smith at St. Martin''s Catholic Church in Piqua. He then served in the U.S. Army during peacetime. Following his honorable discharge from the service, he and Dolores always made their home in Iola. He worked at Lesh Oil and Self Service in produce before beginning his job with the City of Iola gas and water department. He retired after 33 years. Dolores preceded him in death December 19, 2012. He was a member of St. John''s Catholic Church in Iola, Knights of Columbus, and the Iola American Legion. Survivors include 2 daughters, Sharon Bland and husband, Roger of Iola, and Debbie Hill and husband, Rick of Parker, CO; 4 grandchildren, Lori Goodell and husband, Tadd of Colony, Jeremy Bland and wife, Rebecca of Waukee, Iowa, Jason Hill and wife, Audra of Parker, CO and Darrin Hill and Angie Johnson of Lacon, IL; 8 great grandsons and 1 great granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, sister Bertha Westerman and brothers Herschel and Elmer Wilson. Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 p.m., Friday, May 13, 2016, at the Waugh-Yokum and Friskel Memorial Chapel in Iola. The parish rosary will be recited at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 14, 2016, followed by the mass at 10:30 a.m., both at St. John''s Catholic Church in Iola. Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery in Iola. Memorials are suggested to St. John''s Catholic Church, Allen County Hospice or Kappa Alpha Chapter of Phi Tau Omega Sorority for local cancer support. Memorial gifts may be left with the funeral home. To leave a condolence online, go to www.iolafuneral.com .