Raymond E. Wilson

Raymond E. Wilson, 84, passed away unexpectedly on August 10, 2016. He was born in Binghamton NY, the oldest of five children of his parents, Raymond and Marguerite Wilson. Ray leaves behind his loving wife of 49 years, Ann; two children, Karen (Tracy) Bougher and Todd Wilson both of West Des Moines; and three sisters, Judith Scouten of Yardley, PA, Audrey Buckner of Bridgeport, CT and Carolyn (George) Mountjoy of Lake Havasu, AZ; as well as many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Barbara Riefenstahl.

Ray (Ted) spent his childhood days in hard coal country in NE Pennsylvania during the time of the Great Depression. His mother was a RN and his father was an ATF agent, away from home much of the time, so Ray quickly learned family responsibilities during this trying time.

After graduating from high school Ray joined the US Navy in 1950, wanting to see the world. But “for better or worse it didn’t work out that way.” He served in the beginning of the Korean War, spending most of his time learning the Personnel field at several Naval Air and Technical Training Centers in the US, with a last stop on a USS Gyatt on the East Coast prior to his honorable discharge from service in 1954.

Ray received a B.S. in Finance from Wilkes College in PA and completed coursework for a graduate degree in Public Administration at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, however prior to graduating he decided to take a job with the State of Alaska in 1963. He returned to Connecticut in 1965, and soon after met his wife Ann.

Ray and Ann were quite active, moving around frequently during his long career in Public Personnel Administration including, Hartford, CT, Ft Pierce, FL, Baton Rouge, LA, Harrisburg, PA, and other cities along the way. When they came to Iowa in 1968 he thought it would be another brief stop, however, he ended up working for the State of Iowa for seventeen years. During his long career he received many awards and letters of appreciation from former employers recognizing his valuable role and contributions.

Ray had many interests in life including his immediate and extended pet “family”, gardening and love of the music from the 1950’s through 1980’s where he accumulated an extensive library of albums. He read the newspaper daily and regularly submitted letters to the editor, sharing his concerns and frustrations about current events.

Ray was a loyal and hardworking husband, father and friend and his dry wit will be missed. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 16, 2016 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines with a memorial service following at 7:00 p.m. Burial will take place at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery on Wednesday, August 17 at 12:30 p.m.

Memorials can be made to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa. Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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