Charles Wilson, 59, of Merriam, KS, (formerly of Osawatomie, KS) passed away Tuesday, April 18, 2000 at the Providence Medical Center. Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 22 at the Church of the Solid Rock, 95th and I-35; burial in Fontana Cemetery, Fontana, KS. Friends may call 6 - 8 p.m. Friday at the Wilson & Son Funeral Home, Paola, KS. There will also be another visitation from 1 - 2 p.m. Saturday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Church of the Solid Rock.

Charles Wilson was born October 29, 1940 in Council Grove, KS to Gene and Stella Turner Wilson. Church was raised in the Osawatomie area and graduated from Osawatomie High School in 1959. He served in the U.S. Navy as a Chief Petty Officer for six years. He served on board and was plank owner of the USS Enterprise. During this time, the Enterprise was part of the fleet participating in the Cuban Crisis. He was also a plane captain on a P2V while in Florida. Chuck worked for the Santa Fe Railroad for 10 years plus as a police officer in Roeland Park, Leawood, Fairway and Osawatomie, KS. He was a truck driver for TransAm Trucking since 1995 plus in the past with the Yellow Freight Truck Lines. He also became a private pilot in 1988, logging in 500 hours. Memberships included Church of the Solid Rock of Lenexa, Promise Keepers, and Retired Peace Officers Association. Survivors include his wife, Karen Wilson of the home; son, Chuck Wilson, Jr. and Charlene, Qunemo, KS; daughter, April Coulter, and husband Bobby, Lebo, KS; brother, Steve Wilson, LaCygne, KS; brother-in-law, Ernie Kary; sister-in-law, Melanie Kary, both of Peculiar, MO; and five grandchildren. (Arrangements: Wilson & Son Funeral Home)