John William Wilson, Jr.

John William Wilson, Jr., 70, of Eldorado, IL, went home to be with his Lord on December 21, 2017, at 3:55 a.m. in St. Louis, MO.  He was born in Shawneetown to John(Bunk) and Jean Morse Wilson on February 24, 1947.  He married Paula Bryan on September 3, 1988.

Preceding him in death were his parents, a premature infant sibling, and a brother, Homer Wilson.  He is survived by his wife, Paula; two daughters, Angie(John)Attebury, Karen(Andrew) Dunaway, one son, Joshua(Rebekah) Thackston, four grandchildren, Sarah Attebury, Braden Attebury, Emma Dunaway, and Avery Dunaway; two step-grandchildren, Jonathan Attebury and Aidan Dunaway; and many cousins who he was close to growing up.

John was saved at a very young age at Beulah Camp in Eldorado.  He was raised in the Methodist church in  Shawneetown.  After he and Paula married, they became members of the Eldorado First Baptist Church in 1990.  As he grew to know and love his Savior more, he became very involved in church.  He was the Sunday School Superintendent, a Sunday School teacher, and served on many of the church’s committees.

John graduated from Shawneetown High School with the class of 1965.  After he graduated from Murray State University, he began his career in Shawneetown teaching English.  He continued his career at Bowen Center in Harrisburg, where he served as principal of the education department.  During that time he received his Master’s Degree in Special Education.  After Bowen Center closed, he served as Special Education coordinator at the Hardin County High School.  

Most people remember him as the Regional Superintendent of Schools for the Southern part of Illinois for many years.  Also, he worked as the Director of the Wabash Ohio Valley Special Education District out of Norris City until his retirement in 2003.  With both positions John worked with all school districts, administrators, and teachers providing educational opportunities and funding to benefit all students.  

John was known throughout the area for his love of people and for  providing children with the best education possible.  To his family, he will always be known as the best husband, father, and grandfather.   

Funeral services will be 11:00 am Wednesday December 27, 2017 at Colonial Terrace Funeral Home with Rev. Randy Plunkett officiating. Visitation will be 4-7 pm Tuesday December 26, 2017 at the funeral home.  Burial will be in Westwood Cemetery in Shawneetown.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund and will be accepted at the funeral home.  Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family via the website www.colonialterracefuneralhome.com

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