Paul Wilson

Paul Wilson, beloved Father, Grandfather, & Friend passed away on September 29, 2023 in West Haven, UT.  He was born on May 22, 1937 in LaJunta, Colorado to Rosella Copple and James Wilson.

He attended Lebanon Union High School, and at the age of 17 joined the United States Air Force.  Stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, he was then sent to Andersen Air Force Base in Guam.  He arrived in Guam under threat of attack and was immediately sent to the bomb shelter. He loved his time in Guam as a Military Policeman, and wherever he was stationed.  During his time in the US Air Force, he also had the honor of serving with the elite of the base’s Honor Guard.  On leave, he travelled to Alameda, California to marry his childhood sweetheart, Claudina Davis, on July 22, 1956, and they shortly thereafter moved to Florida to start their adventurous life together.  He finished his tour of duty in Florida where his first child, Valerie, was born.

Relocating to Oregon to be with his extensive family, he and Claudina started raising horses and eventually had a substantial Appaloosa ranch, raising, breeding, and showing beautiful horses.  He earned many awards and trophies for his prized beauties.

They continued to build their family with 4 more little ones and enjoyed many happy years on the ranch.

His love for flying led him to acquire his pilot's license.  He enjoyed flying his family and others to places near and far.  He also loved being a flight instructor for a time.

In Oregon, he worked at a couple of lumber mills, ultimately landing at Teledyne Wah Chang, a rare-metals plant, becoming a supervisor, and attending Linn Benton Community College to study Metallurgy.

In a move to Utah in 1979, to aid in the construction of a Westinghouse rare-metals plant, Western Zirconium, he produced products for nuclear power which led to a rewarding career as a Rolling Mill Specialist in Metallurgy and Manager of his department.  His profound dedication to his craft was evident throughout his career until his retirement in 1997.  At the age of 60, Paul pursued his passion for learning and graduated from the University of Phoenix with his Bachelors degree the same year he retired.

While Paul’s professional accomplishments were impressive, it was his role as a loving husband and father that defined him.  Paul embarked on countless adventures with his wife and five children.

Retirement allowed him to spend a lot more time with his family.  He dearly loved all of his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren who were included in his many adventures.

Paul was an active member of the Elevation Church of Utah.  At the age of 82, he embarked on a mission trip to Guatemala with his church.

If you knew Paul, you knew of his sweet tooth.  He never met a cookie that he turned down!

Paul will forever be remembered by his determined spirit.  His enthusiasm for life was infectious, and his unwavering dedication to his loved ones brought immeasurable joy to their lives.  His legacy will be carried on by his children and the countless friends and acquaintances he made throughout his journey.

Paul is survived by his children: Valerie (Steve) Gilfillan; Clay (Debbie) Wilson; Kirk (Sue) Wilson; Kevin Wilson; and Paula (Gary) Lammert, his daughter-in-law Krista Wilson, 16 Grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his sweetheart Claudina, his parents Rosella and James Wilson, his grandson John Gilfillan and his 11 siblings, Marshall, Billy, Warren, Marie, Jackie, Floy, Bob, Norma, Bernice, Jerry, and Raymond.

Paul’s family would like to extend a sincere Thank You to Symbii Home Health and Hospice, and supporting agencies.  From beginning to his new beginning in Heaven, you have shown endless love, patience, kindness, and support.  You were so gentle and quick to respond to all of our needs.  We love “Paul’s Angels”!  God Bless you all!          

A Celebration of Life for Paul will be held October 15^th from 1:00 to 4:00 with Military Honors at 1:30 p.m. at his home 3056 West 2325 South, West Haven, UT 84401

The family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to the Elevation Church Utah building fund (please choose “Chosen to Build” in the drop down menu at Elevation.cc), or please feel free to use the link below:  Thank you from all of us!

https://elevation.easytitheplus.com/external/form/a493b679-8cf8-449e-a983-7053ad7f64ce

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