Oscar M. Wilson

Oscar M. Wilson

Exeter - Oscar M. Wilson, age 88, went to be with his Lord on May 8, 2021 at his home in Exeter in the presence of loved ones after a long battle with cancer.

Born June 9, 1932 in Exeter CA, he married Doreen Buckle on June 15, 1957, his loving wife who cared for him until he died. Together they provided a loving, Christian home for their children Darla and Kevin.

Oscar was raised in and still attended the Exeter Church of God, where, as a young man he helped build the original sanctuary in 1950. Over the years he served many times as a church Trustee and was often chosen as the chairman of the Trustees. When his son Kevin asked him why he was so often chairman, he replied, "No one considers me a threat and they trust me not to push my own agenda." He also sang tenor in the choir, which his wife conducted for many years. At home, he enjoyed big band music and close harmony.

Oscar was honorably discharged from the Army on May 16, 1955 and graduated from Fresno State in 1958 with a BS in Agriculture. His first teaching job was teaching high school science in Alpaugh for three years. Oscar and Doreen then moved to Strathmore, and starting in 1961 he taught science at Lindsay Junior High (aka Steve Garvey Junior High) until he moved out of the classroom and became a counselor. He later became acting vice principal until retiring in 1992. After Oscar retired from Lindsay he did computer consulting part-time for the Pleasant View School District until he was 82.

Oscar was always interested in people and was gentle with a winsome smile that soon won people's confidence. He was known as a "fix-it" guy and often found the easiest way to do difficult tasks. He went through a succession of hobbies over the years, including building his parents' house in the 1960's, a fishing boat, trailers to carry motorbikes, various furniture and welded artwork, as well as fixing motorbikes and cars. He even became a bonded locksmith. He also collected antiques including fruit jars, lanterns, and farm tools. He enjoyed riding a Honda trail bike in the country or up to the mountains.

Oscar was preceded in death by his parents, Marion Wilson and Blanche Wilson née Chambers. He is survived by his wife Doreen Wilson née Buckle and their children: Darla Mireles and her husband Lupe Mireles; and Kevin Wilson and his wife Catherine Trotter Wilson; and by his six grandchildren Larissa Mireles, David Mireles and his wife Joanne Mireles née Garcia, Daniel Mireles, Lauren Mireles, Peter Wilson, and Josabeth Wilson; and by his two great-grandchildren, David and Joanne's sons Jamison and Lincoln. Oscar is also survived by his brother Vernon Wilson.

A memorial service will be officiated by his son-in-law, Lupe Mireles and Pastor Brandon Zoll, Saturday, May 15, 2021, 10:30 A.M. at the Exeter District Cemetery, 719 E. Marinette Ave., Exeter, California.

Arrangements by Smith Family Chapel, Exeter. Online Condolences: smithfamilychapel.com