Larry “Papa” Paul Wilson Sr. of Glendive, formerly of Miles City, passed peacefully at the Glendive Medical Center while being comforted by family on December 5, 2017. He was 77 years old.
Larry was born in Francis, Okla. on February 17, 1940. Larry was one of four sons born to Mable and William “Bill” Wilson.
At the young age of 17 Larry left Oklahoma to join the Air Force where he spent time in Africa, the Philippines and eventually getting stationed at the Air Force Base in Forsyth, Mont. There he served as an air traffic controller. He completed his GED while serving. It’s at this time he met his love of his life and best friend Sharon Ann Chapweske. They were married in Miles City on December 31, 1960. To this union three boys were born, Larry Paul Jr., Ricky Joe and John William. Larry worked as a conductor on the Milwaukee Railroad and served as President of the local railroad union until the railroad closed in 1980. Larry and his family then moved to Glendive where he worked in the oil field before eventually becoming a bit and drilling tool salesman for Security (Halliburton). Eventually he became an independent salesman for Halliburton until he retired in 2008. In his retirement years he took on a new hobby of woodworking and taking care of his pool and yard. Larry and Sharon loved hosting and entertaining friends and family. Papa Larry enjoyed watching his beloved Oklahoma Sooner football team and the St. Louis Cardinals. Larry’s family was his most cherished part of his life. He loved his five grandsons, five granddaughters, one great-granddaughter and one great-grandson dearly.
Larry is survived by his wife, Sharon; sons, Larry (Dawn) Wilson of Colorado, Rick (Stephanie) Wilson of Rapid City, S.D. and John (Dana) Wilson of Dickinson, N.D; ten grandchildren, Brandon (Lauren) Wilson of Colorado, Jason Wilson (Sheana Hendrickson) of Nebraska, Bryant Wilson of Okinawa Japan, Jenna Wilson and Blake Wilson of Colorado, Amanda Wilson and Kayla Wilson of Rapid City, S.D., Brenna Wilson, Carley Wilson and Jaren Wilson all of Dickinson, N.D.; and two great-grandchildren, Aiden Wilson of Colorado and Taylah Wilson of Nebraska.
Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Mable Wilson; and brothers, Billy Wilson, Jerry Wilson and Jim Wilson.
Family received friends from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, December 8, 2017 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. A funeral service was held on Saturday, December 9, 2017 at 2 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Rite of Committal followed in the Calvary Cemetery in Miles City. Condolences to the family may be sent by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.