Wm. Lewis Wilson, age 79, of Meta, passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2020, at the University of Missouri Hospital and Clinics in Columbia. He was born in Maries County on March 23, 1940, son of the late Howard and Oma Hester (Vaughan) Wilson. On July 4, 1958, at Wheeler Church in rural Maries County, Lewis married Sharon Lee Baldwin, who survives at their home.

As a young man Lewis learned the value of a dollar earning money milking his own cows. He worked at Brown Shoe Company during his summers between school terms. He graduated from Vienna High School and attended college at Lincoln University in Jefferson City. He worked his way through college as an orderly at Still Hospital, Lee Shoe Store, and Thorpe Gordon Funeral Home. He later worked at the Chrysler plant in St. Louis for several years, started Wilson's Salvage Yard in 1981 and retired from Security Bank in Waynesville in 2001 after 33 years of service.

Lewis cut and built his own log home in 1981 with the help of his dear friends. He was a cattle farmer who cherished his John Deere Tractor. Lewis loved to travel, Colorado being his favorite destination, and he also enjoyed quail hunting with his bird dogs. He served on the Red Cemetery Board.

In addition to his loving wife, Sharon, he is also survived by three children, Toni Davis (Darrell) of Brinktown, Tami Wilson of Meta, and Mitchel Wilson (Susan) of Iberia; five grandchildren, Darrick Davis (Justa), Kristina Miller (Chris), Bryan Wilson (Krystal), Ashley Wilson (Abbi), and Darren Davis; nine great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Barbara Williams and JoAnn Wilson; and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Lavern Wilson, and great-grandson, Dawson Davis.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 (noon), with a memorial service immediately following at 12 (noon), on Saturday, March 14, at Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in Iberia with Rev. Bob Hamm officiating.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date at Red Cemetery in Maries County.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to Red Cemetery.