Cleo Wilson, Sr. passed away peacefully into the welcoming arms of his Lord and Savior at the age of 94 on March 29, 2024. He was born August 17, 1929 in Keystone, Louisiana to the union of the late Lemmie Wilson, Sr. and Clara Dunn Wilson.
Cleo was baptized at an early age as a member of Lone Wa Baptist Church under the leadership of Revered I. J. Johnson in Monroe, Louisiana. He grew up in Fairbanks, LA with his seven siblings and attended Myles High School.
He was united in Holy Matrimony in 1947 to his childhood sweetheart, Betty Jo Lumsey. They enjoyed 52 years of marriage until her death in 1999. To this union were born six children.
Cleo worked as a Truck Driver at Monroe Steel and Pipe until he moved his family to Toledo, OH in 1971. He began working at Gerity Schult as a Machine Operator. He retired as a Supervisor in 1994 after serving 23 years.
Cleo attended Bethlehem Baptist Church in Toledo, OH under the leadership of Revered Derrick Arnold where he severed for many years as an Usher. He remained faithful in service until he could no longer attend services.
After the death of Betty Jo, he married Deloris Hamilton. They were happily married for many years until her death.
Cleo was preceded in death by wives Betty Jo Wilson and Deloris Wilson, daughter, Clara Deloris Wilson; daughter-in-law, Carolyn Wilson; grandson, Michael Wilson; two sisters Rosie Wilson Turner and Mary Wilson Nappier; four brothers Lemmie Wilson, Jr., Percy Wilson, Sr., Wydell Wilson and Robert Wilson.
He is survived by two daughters, Barbara Whitlock of Toledo, OH and Linnie Kessee (Ralph) of Los Angeles, CA; three sons, Cleo Wilson, Jr. and Larry Wilson (Mary) both of Detroit, MI; Barry Wilson (Amanda) of Monclova, OH and one brother, Julius Wilson of Sterlington, LA.
Cleo leaves a legacy of loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, as well as a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
A memorial gathering will take place on Wednesday, April 10th, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.