Gerald A. Wilson Sr., 86 years, of Fort Madison, Iowa died 10:41 a.m. Sunday morning, October 23, 2022 at the River Hills Village, Keokuk, Iowa. He was born September 5, 1936 at Brooklyn, Illinois, a son of Arthur W. and Alta Ruth (Snyder) Wilson. On May 19, 1957, he married Karen Lee Ballard at the First Baptist Church, Fort Madison, Iowa. After celebrating 60 years of marriage, Karen preceded him in death June 28, 2017.

He worked doing testing materials at Sheaffer Pen for 5 years, Iowa Army Ammunition Plant for 15 ½ years, and the former Amax (now Climax), retiring after 15 ½ years. During retirement he worked at Farm King and Pinkerton Security. He enjoyed woodworking, hunting and was an animal lover. He was known for his many unusual pets. Gerald also had quite the green thumb, growing many flowers and plants.

Gerald is survived by his one son: Gerald A. (Christy) Wilson Jr., of Fort Madison, Iowa; three daughters: Dollie J. (Gregory) Horn, of Fremont, Iowa; Shirley J. (Ronald) McMurray, of Franklin, Iowa; and Rebecca S. "Becky" Wilson, of Fort Madison, Iowa; one brother, Leon (Frances) Wilson, of Fort Madison, Iowa; one sister, Billie Mosher, of Fort Madison, Iowa; 13 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, one son, Michael Wilson, two brothers, Harold and Raymond and one sister, Juanita Sawyer.

Family will greet friends from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 27, 2022 at the Barr Memorial Chapel, Fort Madison. A Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Thursday morning at the Barr Memorial Chapel, Fort Madison. Burial will be at the Oakland Cemetery, Fort Madison. A memorial has been established, contributions may be made at the Barr Memorial Chapel, Fort Madison.