Obituary for Phil Wilson
Phillip R. Wilson (“Phil”), 77, of Fort Wayne, passed away early on Sunday, February 19, 2023. He was surrounded by his loving wife and three daughters.
Phil will be missed for his kindness, positive spirit, quiet grit and determination. He was a devoted follower of Christ and this was seen in every aspect of his life, not the least of which was his family, who he loved faithfully and led with quiet conviction and integrity.
Phil was born on August 20, 1945, in Brookings, SD, but called several other states “home” throughout his childhood years when his parents served as ministers in the Wesleyan Church. He was the oldest son of the late Charles and Loretta (Raymer) Wilson. On November 11, 1972, Phil married Sara Lucille Draves. Together with family, they recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Phil was a graduate of Taylor University (B.A. Business) and went on to a career in the insurance industry. He began his career at Mutual Security Life Insurance Company and then went on to be an agent with Hoch Insurance Company. He enjoyed his clients and coworkers. He was an active member of Brookside Church and loved serving the Lord. Phil loved his work and helping others; he worked until the day he went to the hospital. He enjoyed traveling, being outside and tending to the yard, watching IU basketball, and sharing a good meal with family and friends. He enjoyed being an active husband, dad and grandpa.
Phil will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Sara, three daughters, Kristi (Jon) Lance of Huntertown, IN, Lora (Todd) Wiebe of Holland, MI, and Jill (Brian) Raypole of Fort Wayne; 6 grandchildren, Harrison (16) and Maya (13) Wiebe, Madison (14) and Carson (12) Raypole, Autumn (12) and Easton (9) Lance; siblings, brother, Mark (Sue) Wilson of Kenosha, WI, sisters Debbie (Jamie) Nesmith of Tallahassee, FL, Kris (Michael) Clancy of Douglasville, GA, brother & sister-in-law Rodney (Debbie) Draves of Valparaiso, IN; as well as several loving nieces and nephews. Phil was preceded in death by his parents and in law, Howard and Lucille Draves.
Funeral service is at 11 a.m. Monday, February 27, 2023 at Brookside Church in Fort Wayne, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Visitation is also from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, February 26, 2023 at Fairhaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services. A private graveside service for family will take place at Concordia Gardens. Memorials may be made to Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America or Samaritan’s Purse.
Phil will be missed for his kindness, positive spirit, quiet grit and determination. He was a devoted follower of Christ and this was seen in every aspect of his life, not the least of which was his family, who he loved faithfully and led with quiet conviction and integrity.
Phil was born on August 20, 1945, in Brookings, SD, but called several other states “home” throughout his childhood years when his parents served as ministers in the Wesleyan Church. He was the oldest son of the late Charles and Loretta (Raymer) Wilson. On November 11, 1972, Phil married Sara Lucille Draves. Together with family, they recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Phil was a graduate of Taylor University (B.A. Business) and went on to a career in the insurance industry. He began his career at Mutual Security Life Insurance Company and then went on to be an agent with Hoch Insurance Company. He enjoyed his clients and coworkers. He was an active member of Brookside Church and loved serving the Lord. Phil loved his work and helping others; he worked until the day he went to the hospital. He enjoyed traveling, being outside and tending to the yard, watching IU basketball, and sharing a good meal with family and friends. He enjoyed being an active husband, dad and grandpa.
Phil will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Sara, three daughters, Kristi (Jon) Lance of Huntertown, IN, Lora (Todd) Wiebe of Holland, MI, and Jill (Brian) Raypole of Fort Wayne; 6 grandchildren, Harrison (16) and Maya (13) Wiebe, Madison (14) and Carson (12) Raypole, Autumn (12) and Easton (9) Lance; siblings, brother, Mark (Sue) Wilson of Kenosha, WI, sisters Debbie (Jamie) Nesmith of Tallahassee, FL, Kris (Michael) Clancy of Douglasville, GA, brother & sister-in-law Rodney (Debbie) Draves of Valparaiso, IN; as well as several loving nieces and nephews. Phil was preceded in death by his parents and in law, Howard and Lucille Draves.
Funeral service is at 11 a.m. Monday, February 27, 2023 at Brookside Church in Fort Wayne, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Visitation is also from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, February 26, 2023 at Fairhaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services. A private graveside service for family will take place at Concordia Gardens. Memorials may be made to Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America or Samaritan’s Purse.