Jode Wilson

Major General Jode R. Wilson was born March 5, 1925 to Jode and Leta Wilson in Cordell, OK and passed from this life on May 23, 2009. Jode married Peggy Lynn Taylor (his high school sweetheart) on December 16, 1945. To this union, 3 girls were born, Judy Lynn, Jane Susan, and JoDe Ann. Jode served his country in the military for many years. He was a member of the US Marine Corps during WWII, fighting in the Pacific Campaign. After his WWII service, Jode attended college at Southwestern State University in Weatherford, OK. While attending college he was the president of Phi Kappa Alpha. In 1947, he joined the US Army as a member of the 45th Division of the National Guard. He attended the US Army Officers Candidate School and was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in 1948. He spent several tours overseas: 21 months in Pacific (combat), 39 months in Germany (non-combat), 14 months in Korea (non-combat), 12 months in Laos (combat), and 15 months in Vietnam (combat), for a total of 4 years in combat. Jode was awarded several medals and citations while serving his country, including the Legion of Merit - Valor in Combat with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star with 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster - Valor in Combat, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with 6th Oak Leaf Clusters, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal with 3rd Oak Leaf Cluster - Valor in Combat, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with 1 arrowhead and 2 battle stars, WWII Victory Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 5 battle stars, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Marine-Navy Occupation Medal - Valor in Combat (Okinawa), Army Occupation Medal (Germany), National Defense Service Medal with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster and the American Theatre Service Medal. Foreign decorations for service in Vietnam include: Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star, Honor Medal First Class, Staff Officers Medal First Class, Police Medal of Honor 3rd Class, and Order of Military Merit 1st Class - Korean Award & Vietnam Combat. In 1971, Jode established the ROTC program at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, where he completed his US Army service. He retired as Colonel in 1977. After his US Army service, Jode became Flotilla Commander of the US Coast Guard in 1982, where he served until 1986, commanding the State of Oklahoma District. In 1991, Governor David Walters promoted Jode to the rank of Major General, and he was assigned Commanding General of the Oklahoma Reserve Force, where he served until his death. While commanding the OKRF, he assisted in the search and rescue operations after the Murrah Building bombing. Jode was very active in his later years, riding his bike around Lake Hefner. He also learned to skydive at the age of 76. He was an active member of Quail Springs Baptist Church and was a member of the church choir. Jode is survived by his wife of 64 years, Peggy 3 daughters: Judy Froemming and husband Jerry of Justin, TX Jane Draper and husband Robert of Hot Springs, AR JoDe Ann Char and husband Dennis of Grapevine, TX grandchildren: Jode Colbert Wells and husband Mike of Justin, TX Taylor Wilson of Southlake, TX, who is attending the University of Oklahoma great-grandson: Rhett Wells cousin, Rosemary Spalding and husband Bob of Cordell, OK, along with their sons, Greg Spalding of Coppell, TX, and Wes Spalding of Cordell and cousin, Bobbie Knie of Philadelphia, PA. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts/donations can be made to Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan F117, Chicago, Illinois 60601-7633. Visitation to be held at Smith & Kernke Funeral Home, 14624 N. May Ave., from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26th. Services with full military honors will be held at Quail Springs Baptist Church at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27th, with interment at Resurrection Cemetery immediately following the service. The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Linda and Bud Celsor of OKC, along with Danny and Marta Black of Hydro, OK Lt. Colonel Peter Plank of Bethany, OK and Jerry Brown of OKC.