Sam T. Wilson

Sam T. Wilson, 78, of Naples, FL passed away Friday, December 12, 2003. He was born in Greenfield, IN on June 8, 1925. One of 6 children, he spent his youth farming and trapping on little Buck Creek near Indianapolis with his older brother Jim. After graduation from Mount Comfort High School he served his country in the 29th Division, 116th Infantry, Fox Co., U.S. Army, World War II and survived the first wave on Omaha Beach on D-Day only to receive his first Purple Heart would several days later at St. Lo, France. He was to be the recipient of 2 Purple Hearts during his service. His brother, Jim died in the Battle of the Bulge. Upon returning from the European theater, he attended Ball State University in Muncie, IN and later purchased an automobile dealership. He was the youngest Chrysler dealer in the United States at that time. Sam loved his family, golf community service, hard work and Colts football. He served in numerous positions with the local and Indiana State School Boards and Perry Township Schools in Indianapolis, IN. He owned NAPA stores in Indianapolis, Greenfield, New Palestine and Morristown, IN and it was from this that he retired to Naples, FL. He was a member of the New Palestine Methodist Church, a Master Mason at Eden Lodge, a member of the Indianapolis Valley of Scottish Rite, the Murat Shrine and the Bonita Springs Shrine Club of the Araba Shrine Center, the Naples Elks, the 29th Division Association (Maryland Region), the American Legion and Imperial Golf Club. Survivors include his loving wife Bette J. Wilson of Naples, FL and their six children, Kathy Barrett of Greenfield, IN, Jennifer Johnson of Fritch, TX, Andra Eason of Charlotte, NC, Keith Bridwell of Indianapolis, IN, Lori Hohlt of Fishers, IN and Kristie Aeschliman of Midland, MI. Also surviving are 7 grandchildren, one great granddaughter and his sister, Patty Bird of Shelbyville, IN. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Jim John, and Charles and a sister, Alice Holder. A Memorial Service for Mr. Wilson will be held Friday, December 19, 2003 at 1:00 PM at the Allisonville Christian Church with Rev. Robert Riester, Senior Minister, officiating. Inurnment with military honors will follow at the Oaklawn Memorial Gardens, Indianapolis, IN. The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to the Wegener's Granulomatosis Association P.O. Box 28660 Kansas City, MO 64188-8660. Arrangements: Walter Shikany;s Bonita Funeral Home, Bonita Springs, Florida.