Marvin Hayse Wilson, 91, died on December 7, 2022, at 11:27 am, en route to Mercy Health Hospital in Paducah, Kentucky. He had been a Mercy Health Hospice patient, suffering with congestive heart failure since late 2018.
Mr. Wilson was born to the late James H. Wilson and the late Flora Settle (Hayse) on July 28, 1931, at their modest home in Little Cypress, Kentucky. In addition to both parents, his older brother James, his sister Lena Mae Phillips, his wife Henrietta Sue (Huss), and his son, Keith Edward preceded him in death.
Mr. Wilson is survived by his daughters, Vickie S. Davis and husband Stephen J., of Syracuse, Utah and Sonja F. Skibinkski and husband Raymond W., of Paducah; grandchildren, Timothy E. Davis and wife Lindsay of Southlake, Texas, Rebecca S. Dunn and husband Jared of Kaysville, Utah, Ryan W. Skibinski of Paducah and Rachael M. Skibinski of Paducah; three great-grandchildren, Thad Dunn, Wyatt Dunn, and Knox Davis; sister Rama Jean Bast of Louisville, Kentucky; two half-brothers, Roger Settle and David Settle; and numerous nieces and nephews. He loved everyone in his family dearly.
On August 17, 1948, with his father’s written consent, Mr. Wilson enlisted into the United States Army. He had just turned 17 years old three weeks prior to his enlistment and would not be able to complete his high school education at Little Cypress. He often told his family that the Army “was his father and mother.” During the next few years, Mr. Wilson served as part of the Japan Logistical Command supporting the rebuilding of post-World War ll Japan. He also served three tours of duty in the Korean Conflict and saw action in the Chosin Reservoir during this time. He helped manage and distribute weaponry, drove assault tanks into battle, and led foot soldiers into battle as a sergeant.
Mr. Wilson eventually transferred from active duty to reserve duty in the United States Army. During his Army career, he was awarded two Meritorious Service Medals and the Army Commendation Medal. On April 25, 1982, he was presented his diploma at 2074th USAR School at Louisville, Kentucky, becoming at that time the oldest graduate to be awarded the rank of Command Sergeant Major. He was 50 years old. He retired with the rank of Command Sergeant major, 3rd Battalion, 398th Regiment, 100th Division on October 14, 1992. His photo hangs in the Corridor of the Century in the Century Division Museum in Ft. Knox, Kentucky.
As a civilian, Mr. Wilson opened his own gas station and small electrical repair shop before becoming a fulltime licensed electrician. The electrical field presented many projects for Mr. Wilson, including the USEC facility and the construction of Lourdes Hospital.He eventually worked as a City Building and Safety Inspector for the City of Paducah, from which he retired. During that time, he taught classes at Paducah Community College, now known as West Kentucky Community and Technical College.
Mr. Wilson also served his community in various ways as an active Mason and serving as a member and/or board member of the Paducah Lions Club, the Lone Oak Optimist Club, the Travelers Protection Association, and the Paducah City Civil Rights Commission. But perhaps his most important service of all was his work preaching the Gospel. He preached throughout Western Kentucky, including numerous churches and retirement communities.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, December 11, 2022 at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah with Dan Owen officiating. Entombment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.
Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. until the 2:00 pm service time on Sunday, December 11, 2022 at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to: Bread of Life Ministry, c/o Broadway Church of Christ, 2855 Broadway Street, Paducah, Kentucky , 42001.
You may light a candle of remembrance, leave a message of sympathy and share a hug from home at www.milnerandorr.com