Willy Wilson 1941-2026
Willard Dean “Willy” Wilson, 84, of Holton, passed away Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026 at his home.
He was born May 12, 1941, in Holton, the son of Wilmer Ross “Hack” and Edith Ida (Thornton) Wilson.
Willy grew up in Holton and graduated from Holton High School in 1959. He proudly served in the United States Navy for four years as a machinist’s mate. He retired from Dupont/Flexel after 27 years in finishing. He sold real estate for 17 years. He also owned and operated Wilson’s Service Master of Electrical, Heating & Air, Appliance Sales and Service as well as auctioneering for 59 years.
Willy worked at the Holton Light Plant in maintenance for three years. He served as City Commissioner from 1986-1988 and served as Holton Mayor in 1989.
On Nov. 27, 1965, Willy was united in marriage to Dianna Lee VanDonge at the Soldier Christian Church. They shared more than 55 years of marriage before her passing in 2021.
Willy was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Anita Eby; a brother, Wilbur Wilson; and a stepgrandson, Ryan Cox.
Survivors include his children, Tim Wilson (Jeanette) of Olathe, Tom Wilson (Sally) of Holton, Robert Wilson of Holton, Donna Pool (Randy) of Circleville, Kristi Wilson-Ricks of Blue Springs, Mo., Matt Wilson (Sharon) of Holton and Terry Wilson (Gemma) of Horton; a sister, Rowena Horr of Topeka; 17 grandchildren; four stepgrandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and three stepgreat-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 2 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial with military honors will follow at the Soldier Cemetery. The family will greet friends Sunday afternoon, Feb. 1 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the funeral home. Willy will lie in state Saturday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Memorials may be given to Mercer Funeral Home to help with expenses and sent to P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com
(PAID OBITUARY)
