Dean Eldwin Wilson

Mr. Wilson died Friday, Dec. 17, 2004, at his home, after a lengthy illness.

He was born Dec. 10, 1929, at his grandparents’ house near Tecumseh, the son of Virgel L. and Neta I. Milliken Wilson. He attended Milliken Grade School and graduated from Highland Park High School in 1947. He moved to the family farm in June of 1950.

Mr. Wilson was a custom harvester with his father and brother for eight years until he began his farming career in 1956. He was the fourth generation to farm the Century Farm. He retired from farming in 2002. He was a member of Shawnee County Farm Bureau, serving as president in 1970, Extension Advisory Committee, Shawnee County Extension Board, and Pauline Co-op Board. He was recognized for 10 years of service on the Farm Service Agency Committee. He drove a school bus for Shawnee Heights USD 450 from 1972 to 1979. He was a member of Big Springs United Methodist Church, where he served on the Board of Trustees.

He married Elaine Barr on Dec. 10, 1949, in Topeka. She survives, of the home.

Other survivors include two daughters, Garnet Marie Sherman, Saginaw, Mich., and Tanya Sue Howbert, Tecumseh; two sons, Marcus Dean, Davenport, Iowa, and Warren Lee, Topeka; a brother Merlin D., Tecumseh; a sister, Mildred Ann Nicks, Mayer, Ariz.; and nine grandchildren.

Friends may call after 3 p.m. Monday at the chapel, where the family will receive them from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday.

The family suggests memorials to the church, 96 HWY 40, Lecompton 66050.

Online condolences may be sent at www.penwellgabel.com.