John Radford Wilson

John Radford Wilson was born on July 6th, 1935, to Leslie and Waneta (Christian) Wilson. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the air force in 1954 and was stationed in Texas.

While he was there, he met the love of his life, Nelda Waller. They eloped in New Mexico on June 24th, 1957. Once he was discharged, they moved back to Council Grove and had two children, Radford and Patricia.

John had many career titles over the years, but he enjoyed being a glass salesman the best. He was a natural at making friends and knowing how to take care of his client’s needs. He always went the extra mile and made them feel like they were his top priority.

He loved his family, but he also enjoyed serving the community. He was a member of many clubs and associations and a city council member. He always said that if life gave you a situation to learn something new, you should take advantage of it.

When he retired, he took pride in making toys and items in his woodshop. He made a variety of different things and enjoyed giving them out to kids and adults. If you had something he’d made, you knew you were part of a special club.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Nelda; children Radford and Trish; grandson Zach; great-grandchildren Monica and Carter Barrett; and brothers L A and Jim Wilson.

John is survived by his granddaughter Jessica Barrett (TJ), grandsons Isaac Wilson and Cody Wilson (Chelsea); great-grandchildren, Lyla Barrett, Natalie Alexander, Kelsey Wilson and Macy Wilson; sister Sue Osborn (Rex); and nieces Linda Eldridge, Sandy McDiffett (Kelly), Amy Gant (Brian), Becky Johnson (Dave), and Rachel Bolen.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 18th from 5-6pm at Sawyer Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, August 19th at 10am at Sunny Slope Cemetery.