Fred L. Wilson

Fred Lee Wilson Jr.

September 18, 1951 – December 16, 2024

Fred Lee Wilson Jr., 73, of Terre Haute, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 16, 2024, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Born on September 18, 1951, in Terre Haute, Fred was the beloved son of Dr. Fred Lee Wilson Sr. and Ruth Fuchs Wilson, RN. Fred’s roots ran deep in Vigo County, where he spent his life honoring his heritage and family traditions, serving his community, and building a legacy of faith, leadership, and love.

Fred was a proud Wiley High School Red Streak, class of 1969. He also earned a Business degree from ISU.

Fred’s life was marked by hard work, innovation, and dedication to his community. He served for decades as President of the Vigo County Area Plan Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals, and Building Inspection Board., where his leadership helped guide meaningful growth in Vigo County. Just months before his passing, Fred signed and authorized a historic $1.5 billion commercial development in Vigo County’s industrial park—an achievement that reflects his vision and unwavering commitment to progress.

Fred’s career reflected his entrepreneurial spirit. He was a man of ingenuity and a multitude of talents, many of which garnered him public recognition.

He was a highly respected Farmer, member of Farm Bureau, and named Conservation Farmer of the Year, twice. 

Fred was very conscious of the environment. In cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the State of Indiana, Fred set aside, on a permanent basis, hundreds of acres, in the Prairie Creek area, returning them to a pre-settlement, prairie grass condition, like his family would have found it when they arrived in 1815. He has constructed a large number of water fowl impoundments and is now one of the largest contiguous prairie grass wetlands in the state. 

Fred served as President of the Prairie Creek Vigo Conservancy District, as well as Greenfield Bayou Levee and Ditch Conservancy District. 

He has been a Director of Indiana Association of Conservancy Districts and was, most recently, elected Prairie Creek Township Trustee. 

An all-around man of ingenuity, Fred was a bricklayer, real estate developer, and homebuilder. He was a member of the Home Builders Association. 

Fred was appointed by Indiana Governor, Robert Orr, to the West Central Indiana U.S. Selective Service Board. After serving 15 years in that position, he was appointed to the Selective Service Appeals Board for the State of Indiana where he served an additional 20 years; 

Fred was appointed by the Speaker of the House, Bob Daily, to various Interim Joint House And Senate Committees, such as Committee on Indiana Lein Law and Committee on the Commodities Dealers Licensing Agency. 

He was also twice named as Honorary Secretary of State by Secretary of State, Ed Simcox and again by current Secretary of State, Diego Morales.

He was named Council to Attorney General by Indiana Attorney General Lindley Pierson.

Fred was initially sworn in to the Vigo County Sheriff Department in 1980 as a Special Deputy, retired. He was also a Reserve Deputy with the Department, serving his community with pride and integrity. A testament to his sense of duty.

Fred carried forward his family’s historic farming heritage as the steward of the Wilson Family farm, which has been in continuous operation since 1816 and earned the Hoosier Homestead Centennial, Sesquicentennial and Bicentennial Awards, one of only 12 in the state. 

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Fred’s deep love for his community and faith defined him. He played a key role in restoring Vigo County’s historic covered bridge at Fowler Park and built the Wilson-Harlan Covered Bridge on his family’s property using reclaimed wood from an 1867 barn. 

Fred cherished the beauty of farm life, where he raised not only row crops, but also elk, buffalo and deer because they were indigenous to the area. 

He enjoyed the slower pace, and the friendships he cultivated over the years. Above all else, he loved Jesus, whose love and grace guided his life.

Fred is survived by his loving wife, Brenda (Pugh) Wilson; his sister, Rita Parker (Dan); his children, Angela Workman (Matt), Jacqueline Wilson, John Wilson (Lisa) and Fred Wilson III (Traci); and his stepdaughters, Stephany Moore and Jessica Moore. Fred was a proud grandfather to Travis Wilson (Shelby), Tristen Wilson (Mia), Brian Workman (Lauren), Michael Workman, Megan Wilson, Rachel Workman, Braden Nicholson, Summer Wilson, Shay Workman, Asher Strobel, Andrew Wilson, Harper Strobel, Roman Wilson, Kaleb Naiman, and Fred Paxton Wilson, as well as four great-grandchildren. He leaves behind niece, Sheri Parker Foy, and nephews, Danny Parker, Jay Utz, Bradley Utz and Johnny Utz and countless friends who loved him dearly. Fred was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Rosa Lee Utz.

Fred’s life was a testament to faith, perseverance, and service. He was a devoted husband, and he loved his family, he was a visionary leader, and a true servant to his community.

Services

A celebration of Fred’s life will take place on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at Fitzpatrick Funeral Home, located at 220 N. 3rd Street, West Terre Haute, IN.

 • Visitation: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

 • Service: 1:00 PM

 • Burial: Prairie Creek West Lawn Cemetery immediately following the service.

Family and friends are encouraged to come prepared to share stories of “The Wonderfulness of Fred.”

Fred’s legacy will live on in the lives of his family, friends, and all who were blessed to know him.

Online condolences can be left at: www.fitzpatrick-funeralhome.com