Junior Leonard Wilson was born June 5, 1931 at junction 2 and J highway north of Calhoun, Missouri to Carl Leonard Wilson and Hazel Viola (Overturf) Wilson, the second oldest son of 4 children. He attended a number of grade schools in Johnson and Henry Counties and graduated high school from Norris in May 1949. He was employed by State Casket Co. when he received notice to be inducted into Military service (Army) in Kansas City, MO. At the age of 20 he received 6 months training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. 6th Armored Division. He was then reassigned to the 5th Air Force Mission in the 840 Engineer, Aviation, Brigade and sent to Korea. During his 14 months there, he traveled many places always near or in combat areas where he received 3 bronze campaign stars, the normal metals, a certificate, and 3 months combat credit for early release from active service at Fort Riley Army Base.
On December 13, 1953 Junior married Lela Corlene Nestlerode, the girlfriend he dated and engaged prior to his military service. By 1959 this couple had born to them a son, Carl, and daughter, Cynthia. By this time Junior had entered College and earned a Bachelors Degree and was teaching school where they had made their home in Calhoun. He continued his education and in 1963 had earned his Masters Degree. Junior and family moved to Clinton in 1969. Their church membership was also moved to the First Baptist Church of Clinton where it now has been for nearly 50 years. Junior continued in the teaching field until 1978 giving him a total of 20 years in 3 school systems: Calhoun, Sherwood and Clinton.
Junior and Corlene now invested in the Real Estate and Home Building Business for the next 18 years retiring in 1995. Junior had developed many hobbies. He enjoyed the Bluegrass Fiddle. He studied them, played them, built them, and restored 100's of them. In addition, Junior performed many duties as a member of Post 1894 Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was extremely proud to have served the Honor Guard team 20 years.
Junior is survived by his wife Corlene of 65 years; his son Carl Lee; daughter Cynthia Glasscock and husband Tim; his brother Bobby and wife Naida; his brother Harold; his sister Georgia. He also leaves 3 grandchildren, Maren Townsend, Derek Wilson and wife Sarahjane, and Taylor Glasscock; 7 great-grandchildren; and 2 great great-grandchildren. In addition, he leaves behind many nieces, nephews and numerous friends.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home, Clinton, MO.
