John Thomas Wilson

John Thomas Wilson, 61, went home Tuesday, May 14, 2019 to be with the Lord. He was born November 9, 1957, in Anderson, to Archie and Bonnie (Garrett) Wilson. John accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior at an early age and was a man of great faith. He was a member of Anderson First Church of the Nazarene where he enjoyed attending the New Life Sunday School Class. He graduated from Pendleton Heights High School in 1976, and later from Indiana University and Ohio Northern School of Law. With his love of history, he also graduated from Ball State University with a Master’s Degree in History. John was an attorney in Anderson for 30 years. He previously served on the Indiana State Pharmacy Board, Paramount Theatre Board and the Salvation Army Board. He had a great interest in the Civil War, traveling to Gettysburg numerous times with his friend, the late Keith Schimmel. John was an avid IU fan and visited the Bloomington campus annually with his friend, Jeff Morehead. He also loved ballroom dancing with his dance family including, John & Lea Ann Sandlin, Tim & Coleen Rector, Jeff & Cindy Garretson and many, many others. His favorite DJ was Buddy Patterson and his favorite musicians were The Blue Notes, Jack & Rusty Welker. The highlight of his year was always attending the New Year’s Eve dance with friends. John was a loving husband, father and “PaPa” to Myla and Greta who never failed to bring a smile to his face. He will be remembered as an honest man with a kind and gentle spirit. As a man with great integrity, his advice to his family was to “always take the high road.” He is survived by his wife, Margie (Carr) Wilson; daughters, Natalie Raper, Valerie (Josh) Howard and Hilary Raper; grandchildren, Myla Howard and Greta Howard; siblings, Beverly Wilson, Debbie Wilson and David (Wendy) Wilson; niece, Grace Wilson, and nephew, Gregory John Wilson, his namesake; mother-in-law, Aline Carr; brother-in-law, Dan (Vicky) Carr; nieces, Rebecca (Stephen) Dervan, Rachel (Josh) Ortegon, nephew, Ryan Carr; sister-in-law, Pam (Roger) McKinney; niece, Kelly McKinney; nephew, Matthew (Chelsea) McKinney; and finally his mother-in-law by choice, Evelyn Raper. John was preceded in death and now joyfully reunited with his parents, his baby girl, Rebecca Ann Wilson; and his beloved nephew, Grant Wilson. John fought a hard battle with ALS. He will be missed dearly but lovingly remembered by his family and friends. A homegoing service celebrating John’s life will be Saturday, May 18, at 10 a.m., at First Church of the Nazarene, 2324 Jackson Street, Anderson, with the Rev. Gary Cable officiating. Burial will follow in East Maplewood Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Friday, May 17, from 4 to 8pm at Brown-Butz-Diedring Funeral Service & Crematory, 515 East 53rd Street, Anderson. Memorial gifts may be made to the ALS Association or Anderson First Church of the Nazarene.