Obituary of Hurlen Wilson

Hurlen L. Wilson, 88, of Ash Flat, Arkansas, formerly of Doniphan, Missouri, departed from our presence on March 19, 2014, in Ash Flat. He had been married to Leatha Mae Farris on April 10, 1947. He was preceded in death by his mother and father; wife, Letha, a daughter, Gloria Ann Wilson, and a son, Lindall Wade Wilson. He was also preceded in death by three brothers, Johnny Wilson, Douglas Wilson and Jerry Wilson; three sisters, Nadine Pyles, Sharon McKenny and Rose Snear. Mr. Wilson is survived by one brother, Mike Wilson of Doniphan; five sisters, Mamie Brown and Dorothy Cato, both of Doniphan, Virginia Heslep of O'Fallon, Missouri, Corena Collins of Arnold, Missouri, and Linda Collins of Tennessee; one son, Clarence Ray Wilson of St. Louis; two daughters, Alice DiStefano of Doniphan and Evelyn Tolar of Ash Flat; 10 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord. Psalm 127:3. Hurlen grew up on a farm in a large family with a strong work ethic. Being the oldest son of 13 children he knew what it was like to put in long days of work. Fond memories of this time have been passed down to children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Hurlen continued farming for much of his adult life. Later, Hurlen moved his family to St. Louis and worked as a factory worker and guard work. Again he demonstrated the strong work ethic by holding two jobs so Letha could be in the home raising the children. With children grown, Hurlen and Letha took a job as carpenter/hotel maintenance in Alaska for a couple of years. As retirement years approached, Hurlen and Letha moved back to Doniphan before Letha's passing in 1993. Hurlen was a man that worked with his hands and was always inventing a better way to do anything. He called it the "Wilson way". He made many gifts of woodworks to family and friends. You can tell a good man by the works from his heart and hands. Hurlen was a good man, husband, father and grandfather. Visitation for Hurlen will be Friday evening, March 21, 2014, from 5 - 8 p.m. at the Edwards Funeral Home in Doniphan. A graveside service will follow Saturday morning, March 22, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. at the Doniphan City Cemetery.