John Earl Wilson

John Earl Wilson, 55, of North Platte, died Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010, at his home in North Platte.
John was born Dec. 15, 1954, at Hollywood, Calif., to William Andy and Betty Lee Brown Wilson. He grew up in San Diego, Calif., and graduated from high school in 1972. John helped to restore John Wayne's boat before moving to Pocatello, Idaho, in 1975. He worked as a machinist for Boeing Aircraft and Bycirus Erie Machine Shop before going to work for the Union Pacific Railroad near Pocatello, Idaho, on March 3, 1977, as a truck driver. John took an apprenticeship as a machinist/electrician/mechanic/welder. He later became a supervisor and transferred to North Platte as an Engine House Supervisor in 1999. John took a disability on April 11, 2009.
On Feb. 7, 1977, John married Denise Aileen Huff in Pocatello. He loved the outdoors and anything to do with the outdoors. He also loved his Harley, woodworking, traveling and going to the Caribbean.
A coward dies a thousand deaths but a soldier dies but once. We will always remember you, John.
Survivors include his wife, Denise; their son, Jonathan Andy (Katherine) Wilson; their daughter, Devon Eileen Wilson, all of North Platte; three grandchildren, Tayla Rain Weaver and Desmond Drew Weaver, of Seattle, Wash., and Ireland Dawn Wilson, of North Platte; his father, William Andy Wilson, of Pocatello, Idaho; his brother, Michael Lee (Constance) Wilson, of McCammon, Idaho; two cousins, John Lee Brown and Billy Brent Brown, both of California; an uncle, Bill Brown, of Nevada; and other family.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Wilson; and a nephew, Michael Lee Wilson II.
Cremation was chosen. A life celebration will be announced at a later date. To pay your respects, you are invited to stop by 323 East 8th St. from 2-4 p.m. today. A memorial has been established for the family. The guestbook may be signed at odeanchapel.com Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore in charge of arrangements.