Waco, Texas – (Ernest) Lee Wilson, a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and uncle, passed away on January 7, 2025. Born in Miles City, Montana on November 24, 1950, to JL and Phyillis Wilson, Lee carried on the legacy of fourth generation cattle ranchers on the expanded 1882 homestead. Soon joined by his brother and sister, Dick and Helen, they learned at an early age the values of faith, family, community, resourcefulness, and responsibility working the land and livestock of the EB Ranch.
At a 4-H leadership conference, Lee met the love of his life, Marilyn Meyers, and the two were married on November 27, 1970. Upon graduation from Montana State University in 1973, they spent their honeymoon years at the ranch he loved. In 1974, they welcomed their daughter Leilani into the world, and their son Brandon completed their family in 1977.
Lee's life was marked by service wherever he went. From Montana to Michigan to Texas, the Wilsons ultimately called Waco home for 40 years after Lee started working on a ranch for troubled teens. He traded caring for land and livestock for a dedicated career guiding and protecting vulnerable youth at three children's homes, Texas Child Protective Services, and finishing his career with the Department of Criminal Justice Parole Division.
He and Marilyn were dedicated members of Highland Baptist Church, channeling their deep love for Jesus into helping those in need and spreading His message of love and compassion in the workplace and community.
Lee's love for life was seen more than heard. He was the husband that supported Marilyn's hobbies and passions. A father that shared with his kids the joys of camping, car repair, old Western TV shows, and sports – cheering at every competition and activity. A son-in-law that mowed the lawn and filled the bird feeder. A friend that turned up with the pickup for the move or tools for the repair. A coworker that showed up every day for tasks that others declined. A grandpa that took his rascals to baseball games and ice cream.
Lee loved a good road trip with Marilyn and the family, always behind the wheel on the 4,000-mile annual pilgrimages to the beloved Montana ranch. They also went further afield to Mexico, Venezuela, Turkey, and Zambia to visit Brandon's family, which they added to their early European and North American adventures.
As a father for 50 years and a dedicated husband for 52, Lee extended his deep love to his six grandchildren: Rebekah, Daniel, Emma, Nathan, Charlotte, and Everleigh. From comforting croupy babies to tireless "grandparent's weekends," his grandchildren brought out his beaming smile the most.
In remembering Lee Wilson, we celebrate a life of love and unwavering devotion to family, faith, and friends. His memory will continue to inspire us to love deeply and quietly serve others without honors or accolades.
He is survived by his daughter, Leilani Prince (Paul); son, Brandon Wilson (Sherri); mother, Phyllis Wilson; brother, Richard Wilson (Connie); sister, Helen Lorenz (Jim); mother-in-law, Ellen Meyers; six grandchildren; and eight nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn Wilson; his father, J.L. Wilson; father-in-law, Kenneth Meyers; and nephew, Lincoln Best.
In loving memory, funeral services will be at 11a.m., Friday, January 31 at OakCrest Funeral Home with burial to follow at Moore Cemetery in Chalk Bluff, where he will be laid to rest with Marilyn and Ken. Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m., prior to the service.
Pallbearers are Brandon Wilson, Paul Prince, Daniel Prince, Nathan Wilson, Mike Shumacher, and Doyle Glenn. Honorary pallbearers are Dick Wilson, Don Alderman, Jim Lorenz, Warren Case, Gary Struth, and Gary Adams.
The family will live-stream the service at the Powder River Congregational Church in Broadus at 10:00 am on Friday, January 31st. All are welcome.
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