Paul Eugene Wilson

Paul Eugene Wilson, 83, of Independence, MO, passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2019. A visitation will be held from 5-8pm on Wednesday, July 31, 2019 at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E 39th St., Independence, MO 64055. Service will be at 10am on Thursday, August 1, 2019 also at Speaks Suburban Chapel. Burial will follow at Mound Grove Cemetery. Paul was born on September 4, 1935 to James Miller and Laura Orena (Harding) Wilson in Moscow Mills, MO. Paul was the eldest of three brothers. Paul’s father worked for Sinclair Pipeline and moved to various cities and states, including Fort Madison, IA, before settling in Levasy, MO. Paul attended high school in Buckner, MO and graduated in 1953. On January 11, 1954, Paul joined the Army and after boot camp at Fort Riley, KS, served in the Korean War and later the reserves. Paul was honorably discharged in February of 1962. He met Bonnie Becker in October of 1955 on a blind date. Paul and Bonnie married on July 15, 1956. In 1958, their son, Rick, was born. They started Wilson Paving Company in 1968 and in 1997 the company incorporated and changed names to Wil-Pav, Inc. Early on, hunting pheasant and quail were Paul’s favorite weekend pastime. Later, he became interested in oil and gas memorabilia, restoring gas pumps and collecting signs. He also bought and restored old cars and went to auctions and swap meets to add items to his museum. Morning coffee with his cronies at Jack’s Donuts was his favorite way to start the day. He enjoyed the lake and was a slalom skier in the 1970’s. In 1977, Paul’s son Rick married Ellen and in 1979 Paul’s first and only granddaughter, Holly, was born. Holly and her grandparents enjoyed Royals games and their farm. In 1984 his first and only grandson, RJ, was born. RJ enjoyed the farm and doing projects in the museum with Paul. Paul is survived by his wife, Bonnie Wilson; son, Rick (Ellen) Wilson; granddaughter, Holly Wilson; grandson, RJ Wilson; brother, Larry (Billie) Wilson; Goddaughter, Angie (Chris) Gentile; and nieces and nephews. Paul is preceded in death by both parents and brother, Ed Wilson. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Paul’s name to Wayside Waifs or VFW 3976.