Michael Wilson 1949-2023
Michael Steven Wilson, 74, of Holton, passed away Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, at his home, with his family by his side.
He was born July 22, 1949, in Topeka, the son of Jack M. and Calvena R. (Sloyer) Wilson.
Michael attended Wamego schools and graduated with the class of 1967. After high school he proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1967 to 1970, during which time he served in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969. Later he attended Washburn University. Michael played many high school sports but his true love was track and field.
Michael was the manager of the Town Crier Pipe Shop and Churchills Pipe Shop for more than 20 years. He was a manufacturers sales rep throughout Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa for 20 years. He also owned and operated The Christmas Décor Store in Topeka for more than 10 years.
Michael was a member of Holton VFW Post 1367 and the Churchill Pipe Club of Topeka.
Michael loved reading, smoking his pipe and the opera. He also enjoyed golf, traveling and attending his grandkids’ sporting events and concerts. His favorite holidays were the Fourth of July and Christmas.
He married Vicki M. Cowan on April 24, 1970, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Marys. They celebrated more than 53 years of marriage.
Survivors include his wife, Vicki, of the home; a son, Joshua Wilson (Misty) of Blue Springs, Mo.; a daughter, Nicole Hoffman (Chad) of Olathe; a brother, Mark Wilson (Cathy) of Topeka; a sister, Mary Stanwix of Topeka; two sisters-in-law, Diana Elevier and Denise Denton (Tom), both of Silver Lake; and a brother-in-law, Mark Cowan (Jackie) of Kansas City, Mo. He is also survived by eight grandchildren; Hailey (Nathan), Damien, Colin, Kennedy (Devin), Coby, Kylie, Jack and Hank; two great-grandchildren, Joslyn and Rohan; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Marvin Wilson; and two brothers-in-law, Fred Elevier and Mike Stanwix.
Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 7 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial with Military Honors, conducted by Holton VFW Post 1367 and the U.S. Marines, will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery in St. Marys. Family will greet friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be given to Holton VFW Post 1367 or the Cotton-O’Neil Cancer Center of Topeka, sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com
(PAID OBITUARY)
