Raymond Wilson

A member of "The Greatest Generation" passed on 3-24-15, age 90. A lifelong resident of Lafayette/ West Lafayette, IN. Son of Hoyt Burl and Cecelia Marie (Raymond) Wilson. Preceded by brothers, Harry, Jim and sisters Mary Louise Bray and Cecelia Burldine Hudlow. Ray was active in athletics at WLHS. A Sr. QB/LB on the 1942 undefeated, scored on once football team. Enlisted in the USAAC during WWII. Commissioned as a 2nd Lt. Served as a Bombadier on a B-17. Assigned to the 8th Air Force stationed in England. Awarded the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross and Purple Heart. A graduate of Purdue University, where he met, then married in 1950, Mary Margaret Mancini of Connersville, IN., daughter of Nicholas and Elizabeth. Father of 4; Kurt married Deb Bodle, Beth married Greg Delaney, Craig Raymond Wilson, deceased, Steve married Cindy Wheeldon. Grandfather of 5; Nicholas Wilson married Carley McIver, Nathan Wilson, Michael Delaney, Bryan Delaney married Deidre Krasula, Kathleen Delaney, and niece, Melissa Mancini married Charles Jaco. Raymond served in the Administration of Purdue University for 34 years. He retired in 1987 as the Director of Married Student Housing. A member of St. Lawrence then St. Mary's Parish. Recognized with the St. George award by the church for his service to Catholic youth. A life time member of the Elks and American Legion. Ray was a devoted husband and father, with a delightful dry wit and huge heart, who put God, family, country, community before himself. He will be greatly missed. Friends may call at the Hahn-Groeber Funeral Home, 1104 Columbia St., Lafayette from 2 to 4 PM Sunday, with the Rosary being recited at 1:45 PM Sunday. A Mass of Christian Burial will bel held at St. Mary's Cathedral at 1:00 PM Monday, Fr. Jeff Martin officiating. The interment will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery with American Legion Post 11 military rites. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to the Craig R. Wilson Scholarship fund, c/o Lafayette Central Catholic High School, or St. Mary's Cathedral. Memories and condolences may be left at www.hahngroeberfuneralhome.com