Paul Stephen Wilson

Paul Stephen Wilson, age 76, of Stella, Missouri, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, pastor, and friend, departed this life suddenly on Monday morning, November 24, 2025, at Freeman Hospital in Neosho, Missouri. He entered this life on September 4, 1949, in Anderson, Missouri, one of eight children born to the late George and Irene (Lemaster) Wilson.

Raised in Pacifica, California, Paul returned to his roots in Missouri in 1968 to pursue his calling at Midwest Bible Institute in Webb City. It was there that he met the love of his life, Sherry, and they were united in marriage on June 5, 1970. Together, they embarked on a journey of faith and family, welcoming three children into the world. Paul went on to graduate from Central Bible College and the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary with a Master's of Biblical Languages.

Paul dedicated his life to the service of others, planting and pastoring numerous churches across Arkansas and Missouri. His commitment to spreading the word of God also led him to serve as a missionary in Nicaragua, touching countless lives with his ministry. After decades of faithful service, Paul retired in 2017, leaving behind a legacy of spiritual guidance and community enrichment.

A member of Victory Assembly of God in Neosho, Paul's influence extended beyond the pulpit. He was a talented musician, capable of playing any instrument he put his hands on, and his beautiful tenor voice was a source of inspiration and comfort to all who heard it. His musical talents were a cornerstone of his ministry and brought joy to many congregations.

Paul's interests were as varied as they were deep. He found solace in the tranquility of his garden, tending to his plants with the same care and attention he gave to his flock. His love for collecting was evident in his impressive assortments of fine china, stamps, and coins, each piece a story and a memory.

Paul is survived by his devoted wife of fifty-five years, Sherry Wilson; his children, Rebekah Teague and husband, Troy, of Clinton, Indiana, Ryan Wilson and wife, Tracy, of Nixa, Missouri, and Paula Ruple and husband, Greg, of Lawton, Oklahoma; his cherished eight grandchildren, Kalynn and husband Ethan Carlson, Christopher Wilson, Cade Ruple, Josiah Teague, Alexandra and husband Cody Street, Madalyn and husband Braxton Hall, Brynn Ruple, and Payge Ruple; his brother, David Wilson and wife, Beth, of Reno, Nevada; and his sisters, Nancy Wallis and husband, Gerald, of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, Phyllis Sloan and husband, Paul, of Joplin, Missouri, Joyce Bostrom of California, Alice Brockway also of California, Yvona Fields of Tucson, Arizona, and Karen Sue Anduza of California. His extended family and a host of friends also mourn his passing.

Funeral services are 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri with Pastors Troy Teague and Greg Ruple officiating. Burial will follow at New Bethel Cemetery in Anderson, Missouri. Those honoring his life by serving as pallbearers are Ryan Wilson, Josiah Teague, Chris Wilson, Cade Ruple, Greg Ruple and Troy Teague. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Arrangements are under the care of Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri.