Richard Eugene Wilson

On Friday, November 11, 2022, Richard Eugene Wilson of St. James, Missouri, died at the age of 91. He was a loving husband, father of five, grandfather of seven, and friend to many.

Richard, the son of the late Raymond Eugene and Gladys Irene Sisson Wilson, was born September 22, 1931, in Mound City, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Patrick “Pat” Wilson of Mound City, Kansas.

On November 23, 1952, he was united in marriage to Margaret Mae Boydston at the University of Kansas Danforth Chapel in Lawrence, Kansas.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Margaret Wilson of St. James, Missouri; children, David Wilson and wife, Elizabeth of Alachua, Florida; Kathy Paschke and husband, Raymond of Sewickley, Pennsylvania; Scott Wilson of St. James, Missouri; John Wilson and Gail Rutherford of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Lori Brewer and husband, John of Macon, Georgia; grandchildren, Anne and Tina Paschkopić of Malden, Massachusetts; Brian Paschke of Tampa, Florida; Paige Wilson of Hammond, Louisiana; Amanda and Andrew Rahalewich of Ft. Collins, Colorado; Jacob Brewer of Chattanooga, Tennessee; Lucas Brewer of Atlanta, Georgia; and Thomas Brewer of Milledgeville, Georgia.

Richard, or “Dick” as he was known by his friends and family, graduated from the KU School of Journalism in 1953. He and Margaret moved to St. James to purchase The Leader and The Journal newspapers in 1960 and combined them to create the Leader-Journal. They sold the Leader-Journal in 1970, and Richard became the Business Manager at the Rolla Daily News for over 20 years. He then consulted with numerous small businesses to transition their paper accounting and tax systems to computerized processes.

He was community-minded, and stayed very active, serving in numerous community leadership roles, including leading the Senior Citizen Housing Board that built the first senior housing development on West Springfield Street in St. James. He served as a City Councilman, volunteer fireman, Boy Scout leader (chaperoning multiple troop adventures to the Boundary Waters in Minnesota), Industrial Development Authority board member, and Jaycees (now known as the Sports Club) President and board member. Richard also helped originate and execute on the idea of building Little Prairie Lake. He always wanted the best for his community. 

Richard loved to travel, especially by train. He always had a project to complete and a fabulous story to tell. His smile and laughter were contagious. He will be dearly missed by family and friends. 

A private Celebration of Life will be held at Richard’s Barn following Thanksgiving. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please hug a loved one in memory of Richard’s long and full life. 

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