Wayne Wilson, 88, of Winterset, passed away at his home on Sunday, October 12, 2025.
Wayne Elmer Wilson was born on April 25, 1937, in Winterset, Iowa, to Paul and Reva (Helm) Wilson. He graduated from Macksburg High School in 1955 and proudly served in the United States Army from 1960 to 1962.
On November 5, 1961, Wayne was united in marriage to Beverly McMorris in Woodward, Iowa. A lifelong resident of Madison County, Wayne spent his life farming, a passion that earned the family the Century Farm Award in 2019. He also worked for Madison County Secondary Roads, retiring in 2002 after 13 years of service.
Wayne was a member of Oak Grove Community Church. He took great joy in attending his grandchildren’s activities and, though he once disliked football, became an enthusiastic fan after watching his grandson Colton play.
Wayne began a family tradition of camping at the Iowa State Fair in 1979, using a 1958 converted school bus, a tradition that proudly continues today with Debbie and her family. He also enjoyed keeping up with family adventures on the Life360 app, especially following Ernie’s truck routes. Whenever he saw Ernie, he was full of questions; where he was, how far he’d gone, and what time he had to get up to get there.
Wayne kept a daily diary from shortly after high school until just recently, with his last entry written on September 10, 2025.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 64 years, Beverly; his son, Ron (Lisa) Wilson; his daughter, Debbie (Ernie) Abell; and his special friend, Bobbi Dean. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Colton Abell (Trinity Vonnahme) and Colby Abell; step-granddaughters, Jourdan Bentley, Mackenzie (Jill) Bentley, and Elizabeth Shipley.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Wyman Wilson.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Winterset Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 17, at the funeral home, with burial to follow at Moon Cemetery, rural Macksburg.
Memorials may be directed to the family for a future designation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1823 North John Wayne Dr., Winterset, IA 50273
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
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