Carl Clark Willson, 76, passed away Nov. 3, 2019, at home. He was born Oct. 16, 1943, in Bucyrus, Mo., to Clark and Ida Rose Newacheck Willson.
He married Alice Dotson in 1966, who preceded him in death. In 1976 he married Barbara Garrett, who survives.
Mr. Willson joined the U.S. Air Force after graduation from Houston High School in 1961. He was stationed in Spain and Labrador, working in communications. After four years of military service and a short time with McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis, he started a career in civil service at Fort Leonard Wood, working in electronics and communications, and later in the media department making training videos. After retirement he worked on his farm, as well as in a variety of jobs, including part time for the assessor’s office, helping Dewayne Shelton on his farm, and probably his favorite was babysitting for several families. He spent the majority of his life in Bucyrus, and was a member of the Bucyrus Baptist Church.
He had a passion for playing music, and until his health declined, he would often be found strumming his mandolin or guitar. There wasn’t a stringed instrument he couldn’t master, and he always played by ear. While his health allowed, he was an avid hunter, loved to fish with his grandchildren and was always tinkering on his farm, repairing equipment or creating his own tools.
Mr. Willson was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Alice; sister, Edith Boyd; and a grandson, Colt Friberg.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara; two sisters, Mary Wiseman of Bucyrus and Juanita Duncan of Houston; three children, Terry Willson of Hollister, Melissa Burton of Bucyrus and Carla McDaniel of Bonnots Mill; four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren (including one in February); and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
In accordance with his wishes, there will be no public service. The family will have a private service later to spread his ashes as he requested.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations may be made to the German Cemetery at White Rock or Hospice of Care in Houston.
Cremation was under the direction of Evans Funeral Home, Houston.