Thomas Owen “Tom” Wilson passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at his home in Abilene on Saturday, September 23, 2023. He was born June 28, 1928 near Talmage the son of Bert Sr and Catharine (Fawcett) Wilson.He attended Talmage grade school, went to Manhattan, Kansas and then graduated from Abilene High School with the class of 1948. He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict and received an honorable discharge.
Tom worked for Abilene Flour and Midwest Mills as a truck driver for 27 years. He then was the co-owner of Captain Clean in Abilene from 1973 – 1993 before retiring. After retirement he worked for Holm Automotive.Tom was a member of the Jolly Mixers Polka Dancing Club past member of the Benevolent Lodge 98 and a long time member of the First Christian Church. Tom was an avid fisherman, enjoyed woodworking, camping, card games reading, gospel music and polka dancing.
On April 23, 1955 he was united in marriage to Phyllis Bibb in Abilene. His loving wife of 68 years survives of the home. Other survivors include his daughters Chadra Schmitz and her husband Leonard of Abilene, Denise Friis and her husband Scott of Arvada, Colorado, sister Dorothy Walter of Rogers, Arkansas, brother Mick Wilson of Texas, three grandchildren Jeremiah Schmitz (Monica), Matthew Schmitz (Suzie), Jessica Seaton (Brian), great grandchildren Hannah Schmitz, Madelin Schmitz, Savannah Seaton, Hazel Seaton, Ruth Seaton, Parker Schmitz, and one on the way. Great-Great grandchildren Maeson Schmitz and Oakley Schmitz and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son Jeffrey T. Wilson, brothers Bert Wilson Jr, Frank Wilson, Steve Wilson, and his parents.
Funeral services for Tom will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 6, 2023 at the Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home in Abilene with Pastor Lindsey Brummer officiating. His final resting place will be in the Mt. St. Joseph Cemetery with military honors provided by the Fr. Riley Honor Guard. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time that day.
Memorial contributions may be made to Dickinson County Home Health and Hospice or the American Legion and may be sent in care of the Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home, 414 NW 3rd, Abilene, Kansas 67410.