Merle Edwin Wilson

MERLE EDWIN WILSON Graveside inurnment services for Merle Edwin Wilson will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 12 at Lebanon Cemetery. Merle Edwin Wilson, a lifelong resident of this area, passed away at Vista Grande Inn in Cortez on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011, at the age of 91. He was born the son of Roy R. and Mary Ann Marie (Smith) Wilson on April 11, 1920, in McElmo Canyon. Merle had three brothers, Dewey and Harold Wilson and Leroy Smith. On Oct. 18, 1943, he married Carmen Eileen Robinson in Aztec, N.M. Together they raised their three children, D.J., Jeanie and Linda. During World War II, Merle proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. After his return from service, Merle began raising Hereford cattle on his ranch in Lebanon. He served on the Lebanon school board and was a member of the Elks. Merle and Carmen loved living in the country where he could ride his horses and work his cows. Spending an evening with friends and neighbors playing cards was something they both enjoyed. Merle retired from the Montezuma County Road Department, where he built lasting friendships with many of his co-workers, after 25 years. Merle enjoyed the mountains, and fishing trips with Carmen up Bear Creek, along with hunting trips with D.J. and Vic. Sometimes he really didn't care about the hunt, but was there for the guys' company. Merle wasn't one to get too far away from the Ute Mountain, but he and Carmen did enjoy going to Laughlin, Nev., a few days at a time where he loved to play Keno. He made one trip to Alaska, but not being fond of the airplane ride, it was his one and only. Merle was a man of few words, but one always knew they would be positive ones if spoken. He could keep the grandkids in giggles singing "Don't Worry, Be Happy." His grandchildren will cherish many happy times with their Grandpa. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Carmen, of Dolores; his children, D.J. Wilson and wife Stanna of Copper Center, Alaska, Jeanie Hodges and husband Vic of Dolores, and Linda Luna of Crestone, Colo.; seven grandchildren, Shalmarie Wilson of Snohomish, Wash., Debbie Hite and husband Brent of Dolores, Todd Wilson and wife Julie of Anchorage, Alaska, Tami Jones and husband Ty of Fruita, Colo., Alonda Singson and husband Erick of Barrow, Alaska, Wylder Wilson of Telluride, and Rio Coyotl of Albuquerque, N.M. Merle was blessed with nine great-grandchildren: Natasha and Shannon Wilson, Ericka, Andrea, and Brooke Singson, Hunter and Tanner Hite, and Zoe and Kylee Jones. Merle will be remembered fondly by all his immediate family, along with extended family and friends. As one person wrote to the family, "Merle made the lives of many others better by service to his country, county, and community." Merle spent the last year and a half at the Vista Grande Nursing home where he always told the family how well taken care of he was. He thought they had wonderful cooks there, as they were always willing to fix anything if you'd just ask for it. Of course, he wouldn't, because he said he was always satisfied. Merle enjoyed spending the days visiting with his friends, Junior and Frank, reminiscing of their younger days and experiences. They all looked forward to Jeanie's visits as she usually had donuts to enjoy. Immediately following the graveside services, a celebration of life will be held to share memories, photos, and refreshments at the home of Vic and Jeanie Hodges at 24093 Road S, Dolores.