Gerald Dean Wilson, son of Kenneth L. & Helen M. (Roeder) Wilson, was born April 14, 1938 in Norton County, KS and passed away at his home in Almena on December 26, 2017 at the age of 79.

Gerald grew up in Almena and graduated from Almena High School. On April 18, 1965, he married Jacqueline Merryman in Norton. They made their home in Almena, where he was a lifelong farmer. He enjoyed playing cards and spending time with his close friends and collecting toy tractors, guns and belt buckles.

Gerald served as Private 2nd Class in the Army and Army Reserves for a total of 8 years. He was the Mayor of Almena for over 10 years, and continued to work for the City of Almena following retirement. His greatest joy in life was his family, especially spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his son, David & wife, Twila of Ellis, KS; his daughter, Laquita Smith & husband, Travis of Almena, KS; five grandchildren, Alan & LeeAnn Wilson, Makayla, Jaden & Trista Smith; a brother, Gene Wilson & wife, Linda of Halstead, KS; sister-in-law, Jeannine Sindt & husband, Roger of Omaha, NE; Nieces & Nephews, Lisa Wolfe, Rodney Wilson, Laurie Ellis & Mark & Jon Sindt; and his faithful four-legged companion, Susie.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jacqueline in 2011; and an infant daughter, Charlotte Sue.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 29, 2017 in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, 1115 2nd Street, Phillipsburg, KS 67661, with Rev. Terrill Worthington officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Hope Cemetery, Almena, KS with military honors conducted by the Roy C. Goodrich American Legion Post No. 304.

Mr. Wilson will lie in state from Noon until 9 p.m. Thursday at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, where the family will receive friends for visitation from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. that evening.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Gerald D. Wilson Memorial Fund.