Larry William Wilson, of Chicago and Bourbonnais, passed away peacefully at home Oct. 18 after a long and courageous battle with cardiovascular disease. He was 70.
Larry was born July 16, 1946 in Winslow, Arizona, to Don E. and Freida E. ( Mosley ) Wilson.
He grew up and attended school in Holbrook, Arizona, and Phoenix before moving to Illinois in 1963, where he graduated from Johnston City High School in 1964. Larry received a B.S. in health education from Southern Illinois University in 1968. He then moved to St. Louis, where he taught middle school health and science in the Alton, Illinois, school district ( which is just outside St. Louis ).
Upon moving to Chicago in 1980, Larry began a second career in retail management and held positions with various Chicago-area retailers, including Carson Pirie Scott, Casual Corner, Ultimo and Bad Boys. In 1992, he embarked on a career in administrative assistance with Northwestern University's Chicago Campus. While there, he supported Northwestern's dental school and The Buehler Center on Aging.
Larry is often remembered for his quick wit and snap judgments, but his love of family, friends, travel, holidays, music and plants were his driving forces. His deep loyalty to those he loved will never be forgotten, as he always thought of others who were in need in order to help in any way that he could. Larry strived for perfection in everything he did and he will be thoroughly missed by those he touched in personal and distinctive ways.
He is survived by a sister, Elizabeth Noone of Herrin, Illinois; niece, Tamara Karnes ( David ) of West Frankfort, Illinois, nephew, Frank Noone of Herrin, Illinois; two great-nephews, Jordan and Seth Karnes; a great-niece, Tayler Karnes; and many longtime friends across the country. He is also survived by a very special friend, confidant and caregiver, Vincent Henrisey; and Stephen Finkelmeyer, of Chicago, life partner of 35 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother at birth, Kenneth Wilson.
Words cannot express how deeply Larry will be missed by those who knew and loved him.
Services were held Oct. 24 at Meredith-Waddell Funeral Home in Herrin, with Rev. John Annable officiating. The interment was at Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton. The family prefers memorial donations made to Hospice of Southern Illinois, 204 Halfway Road, Marion, IL 62959; envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
To leave a message of condolence, share a life story or light a memorial candle in memory of Larry, visit MeredithWaddell.com .