Larry D. Wilson

Larry Wilson, 82, of Robinson, IL, formerly of Palestine, IL, died at 11:56 p.m. on Wednesday, August 15, 2018 at the Crawford Memorial Hospital in Robinson. He was born January 25, 1936 in Robinson, the son of Raymond C. Wilson and Barbara Ellen Martindale Wilson, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by three brothers, Bernard Wilson, Charles Wilson, and Eugene “Chink” Wilson; and by two sisters, Ardith McCoy and Birdena Hardesty; by his son-in-law, Keith Reynolds; and by his significant other, Margie Marcello. He is survived by his children & their spouses, Rick & Nancy Wilson (Springfield, IL), Kim & Robert Bagliere (Robinson, IL), Mike & Jennifer Wilson (Newton, IL), and Polly Reynolds (Columbia, MO); and by eleven grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews. From a young age, Larry displayed a penchant for music. He excelled at playing the alto saxophone and was playing professionally with Reid McCrillis and the Music Makers before graduating Palestine High School in 1954. Right out of school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He would proudly serve his country until his honorable discharge in 1958. Back home, he would go on to work as co-owner of the Sugar Bowl, a salesman for Acme Chevrolet, and was also a Deputy Sheriff for a number of years. In 1978, he moved to South Carolina, where he lived up until the last two months. He will be remembered as a man who lived life his way and marched to the beat of his own drum. A time of visitation will be held from 2:00-3:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 18, 2018 at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine. A graveside service will immediately follow and will be held at the Oak Grove Cemetery, rural Palestine, with Celebrant Curt Goodwine officiating. Military services will be conducted by the combined units of the Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549, the Robinson American Legion Post #69, and the Flat Rock American Legion Post #132. Memorials may be made to the Oak Grove Cemetery Association with envelopes available at the funeral home.