Mr. Roy Allen Wilson, past Master-Mason of the Gate of the Temple Lodge in Springfield, and Willard Mo. and a Springfield Shriner, passed away on Sunday, March 10, 2024 in Cox South Hospital, Springfield, Mo.

Roy was born on Monday, Sept. 5, 1938, Springfield, Mo., the son of Lee E.G. Wilson (also past Willard Lodge Mason) and Reva A. (Mason). He was the 6th child, and the last to be born at home with the assistance of neighbor hood Mid-wife, Mrs. Ray. Roy attended York Elem., Pipkin Jr. Hi, and Willard High Schools. Growing up, Roy developed a knack for electronics by taking apart the family radio, pulling out all the parts, and putting them back in like a puzzle. Roy would save "pop-bottle deposit" money, buy used radios from the salvage yard, build his own radios, and sell them. Roy learned mechanics at age 12 from the local garage mechanic, Orbey Dulin, who hired Roy to help out after school stated, "Roy could take and engine apart and put it back together in 45 minuets."

In 1954, Roy joined The Navy, serving on The USS Forrestal, and as Crash Crew Captain at Whiting Field, Pensacola, Fla. being discharged in1958. In 1960, Roy married Helen A. Smith, daughter, of Jesse & Hazel (Brown) Smith, neighbors of The Wilsons' in the early years. Roy met Helen again at The Sky Ranch Drive-Inn, while out with his Bro. Wayne Wilson. Having Wayne follow Helen and her friends home, Wayne ran into a garbage dump, because Helen's car was smoking so bad. Roy told Wayne, "that was the one he was going to marry". Roy & Helen were married 1961 giving birth to 3 girls who he referred to as " The 3 jewels in his crown".

In 1962, Roy moved to Omaha, Nebraska to train as an Electrical Engineer with the Union Pacific RR with the help of his father, Lee Wilson, Frisco RR Inspector. He also worked as part-time garage mechanic; furthering his love for racing, in which he won a 61-62 Austin-Healy Sprite in one of Omaha's "Pink-Slip" races. Roy, moved back to Springfield, Mo. in 1966, working as and electrical engineer for several private companies. Roy was a race car mechanic involved in Stock- car and NASCAR Division 2 for Coca-Cola.

In later years, Roy became a member of the Union thru the IBEW-453 where her retired. Roy's advice to his grandchildren for a career is " Go in the military, but go Navy, because with the Navy, you get three Hots, a cot, and your don't have to dig no fox hole to sleep in at night." , and whatever the advice is he gives; he always ends it with, "you can take that to the bank and draw interest on it!" IN 1986, through his friend , Barbra Robinson, Roy fanned the fire of an earlier love, Horses, specifically training Fox Trotters. Going into retirement, Roy picked up another former love, Golf, playing every morning at 6:30am sharp with his Bro. Jack Wilson. However, the most important thing crowning Roy's life accomplishments was that in 2010, he accepted Jesus Christ as his savior securing eternity for himself. Our 54 yr.. answer to prayers.

Roy is preceded in death by his parents, Bro.'s, June A., Jack L., Wayne C., Billy J., Lesslie E.,Gerald L., & sister R. Virginia (Wilson) Phelps; Nephews: Greg Wilson, Larry & Kenny Phelps, Robert Wilson, Leslie Todd Wilson; Niece: Jane (Phelps) Morgan, and mother of his children, Helen A. (Smith) Wilson.

He is survived by His children: Terri (Tarrah) M. & Husb. John W. Gaines, Marissa A. & Husb. Gary Harlan, & Priscilla J. & Husb. Christian Moudy : Gr. Children: Lance S. Shockley, Jr., Jessica S. Craggs, & David T.A.Taylor, : Gr. Gr. son, Kye Taylor. & 5 step-sons: Tim, Jim, Bill, Rick, Tom, (sons of Mary Holmes), & Sister, Erma A. (Wilson) Cogan, and many much loved nieces & nephews.

Special Heart felt love and appreciation is extended to Barbra Sue Robinson ,Roy's close friend and companion of 38 years for her love, guidance, and support given through those years.

A graveside service and burial with Masonic rites and military honors will be held Sat., April 13, 2024, 1:00 pm. at White Chapel Memorial Gardens Cemetery: 5234 W. State Hwy EE Springfield, MO 65802.  Family and friend reception will be offered from 3:30 -5:30 pm.  at the Springfield Botanical Center; 2400 S. Scenic Ave, Springfield, MO 65807.

Thank you to Sally Pratrer and the entire staff of D Wing at Missouri Veterans Home, Mt, Vernon Mo., for "their over and above the call of duty"  in their wonderful care of Dad in his last days.

In lieu of flower, memorials may be made to the Mt. Vernon Veterans Home Assistance League: 1600 S. Hickory St. Mt. Vernon , MO 65712