Funeral services for Sgt. Wade Wilson were held 10:00 AM, Saturday, May 19, 2012 at the Centerville High School Auditorium. Bro. Joe Dacus, pastor of Leona Baptist Church, officiated and interment with full military honors given by the U.S.M.C. followed in the Evans Chapel Cemetery near Leona, Texas.
Sgt. Wade Daniel Wilson, age 22 of Leona, Texas, was killed in action on Friday, May 11, 2012, while conducting combat operations in the Helmand province of Afghanistan. Sgt. Wilson was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, California.
Wade Daniel Wilson was born August 4, 1989, in Webster, Texas, was raised in Leon County and was a 2007 graduate of Centerville High School. He was a fun-loving person that packed more living into 22 years than most do in a lifetime. Outgoing with a lively sense of humor, he was also a real gentleman and treated everyone with respect. His character and willingness to do whatever it took to get the job done enabled him to succeed whether it was on the football field, track field, or whatever endeavor he chose. He had the heart of a champion.
Wade joined the Marines at age 17 and found the perfect fit for his drive, determination, and quest for a challenge. His faith in God and his complete devotion to what he was doing enabled him to serve with greatness and honor. While protecting his fellow comrades and his country, he gave all for something he believed in whole-heartedly. He made the ultimate sacrifice by giving his life to help protect our freedom. He is a true American hero.
Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 (NASB)
Most importantly, Wade was loved by so many and brought so much love into the lives of his family and friends. His family was extremely important to him. He loved his brothers and sister very much and had a special relationship with them. Wade was a giving and caring person and deeply touched those in his life. No family or friend ever questioned Wade's love for them and knew he was someone they could always count on. His was a short life as counted in years, but so full and rich counted in love, memories, inspiration, and making a lasting impression on his world. We all lost a hero and he will be forever loved and missed.
He is preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Lou Wilson and uncle, James Parish, both of Alvin, Texas.
Survivors include mother & step-father, Cindy Lee (Lowry) & Ward Easterling of Leona; father & step-mother, Mitchell Boyd "Rusty" & Tammy Wilson of Livingston; three brothers, Chad Mitchell Wilson (Brittney), Alex Ray Wilson (Kandace), and Curtis Lee Wilson; one sister, Layne Elise Wilson; three step-sisters, Teri Miro (Ben), Amy Kelley (fiancé, Mark Smith), and Lisa Brooks (Deon); grandparents, George & Dixie Lowry and Curtis & Bonnie Easterling; two nephews, Jaydon and Race Wilson; five nieces, Maddy, Sofia, Brittany, Graci, and Hydia; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.
Serving as pallbearers were Sgt. Elmer S. Miguel, Sgt. Anthony Crosby, Cpl. Joshua Marreel, Cpl. Justin Amundson, Cpl. David Oest and Cpl. Joe Lemaster all members of the U.S.M.C. and personal friends of Sgt. Wilson.
In lieu of flowers, the family of Sgt. Wade Wilson requests that donations be made to the "Sgt. Wade Daniel Wilson Scholarship Fund" set up at Citizen's State Bank in Buffalo and Centerville, or any Wells Fargo location. Also, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (link provided), a favorite charity of Wade's to which he regularly donated.
Walters Funeral Home
Centerville, Texas
2012
Family to receive Silver Star for fallen Marine
By Gidget Fuentes - Staff report
Posted: Monday Mar 11, 2013 19:27:59 EDT
OCEANSIDE, Calif. — The Marine Corps will award the Silver Star this week to a platoon sergeant who was fatally wounded as he returned fire on an insurgent attacking Marines in an ambush last year in Afghanistan.
The family of Sgt. Wade D. "Willy" Wilson will receive the posthumous award, the nation's third-highest medal for combat valor, during a Thursday ceremony at the 5th Marines Regiment parade deck at Camp Pendleton, Calif., 1st Marine Division officials announced Monday. Maj. Gen. Ronald L. Bailey, the division commander, will present the Silver Star to his mother and family.
Wilson, a 22-year-old assigned to 3rd Platoon, Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, was pulling security for a vehicle crippled by an improvised explosive device in Musa Qala, Helmand province, on May 11, 2012.
Wilson was in his armored vehicle when "an insurgent posing as a civilian retrieved an AK-47 from a poppy field 20 meters away and opened fire on four Marines in the downed vehicle, critically wounding the Marine in the rear of the vehicle," states the citation accompanying the Silver Star Medal.
Wilson "immediately withdrew his M9 pistol and, leaving the safety of his armored vehicle, fearlessly closed with the insurgent, placing himself between the critically wounded Marine and the insurgent's barrage of fire," the citation states. "Sustaining multiple gunshot wounds, he continued moving against the enemy until falling mortally wounded."
"His selfless dedication to place himself directly in the line of fire demonstrated tremendous courage and protected his fellow Marines from further harm," it states.
A thousand people attended Wilson's funeral in Texas, his home state. His death also captured the attention of country singer Taylor Swift — Wilson was a huge fan, friends said — after a close friend reached out to her with a YouTube "shout out" asking her to "think about" his loss.
"Please remember the ones who have fallen," former Cpl. Josh Marreel said in the 57-second video, which as of Monday had more than 44,000 views.
Swift reportedly contacted Wilson's family and sent flowers.
"My prayers go out to him and his family during this hard time," the pop star posted on her website last May
Sgt. Wade Daniel Wilson, age 22 of Leona, Texas, was killed in action on Friday, May 11, 2012, while conducting combat operations in the Helmand province of Afghanistan. Sgt. Wilson was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, California.
Wade Daniel Wilson was born August 4, 1989, in Webster, Texas, was raised in Leon County and was a 2007 graduate of Centerville High School. He was a fun-loving person that packed more living into 22 years than most do in a lifetime. Outgoing with a lively sense of humor, he was also a real gentleman and treated everyone with respect. His character and willingness to do whatever it took to get the job done enabled him to succeed whether it was on the football field, track field, or whatever endeavor he chose. He had the heart of a champion.
Wade joined the Marines at age 17 and found the perfect fit for his drive, determination, and quest for a challenge. His faith in God and his complete devotion to what he was doing enabled him to serve with greatness and honor. While protecting his fellow comrades and his country, he gave all for something he believed in whole-heartedly. He made the ultimate sacrifice by giving his life to help protect our freedom. He is a true American hero.
Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 (NASB)
Most importantly, Wade was loved by so many and brought so much love into the lives of his family and friends. His family was extremely important to him. He loved his brothers and sister very much and had a special relationship with them. Wade was a giving and caring person and deeply touched those in his life. No family or friend ever questioned Wade's love for them and knew he was someone they could always count on. His was a short life as counted in years, but so full and rich counted in love, memories, inspiration, and making a lasting impression on his world. We all lost a hero and he will be forever loved and missed.
He is preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Lou Wilson and uncle, James Parish, both of Alvin, Texas.
Survivors include mother & step-father, Cindy Lee (Lowry) & Ward Easterling of Leona; father & step-mother, Mitchell Boyd "Rusty" & Tammy Wilson of Livingston; three brothers, Chad Mitchell Wilson (Brittney), Alex Ray Wilson (Kandace), and Curtis Lee Wilson; one sister, Layne Elise Wilson; three step-sisters, Teri Miro (Ben), Amy Kelley (fiancé, Mark Smith), and Lisa Brooks (Deon); grandparents, George & Dixie Lowry and Curtis & Bonnie Easterling; two nephews, Jaydon and Race Wilson; five nieces, Maddy, Sofia, Brittany, Graci, and Hydia; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.
Serving as pallbearers were Sgt. Elmer S. Miguel, Sgt. Anthony Crosby, Cpl. Joshua Marreel, Cpl. Justin Amundson, Cpl. David Oest and Cpl. Joe Lemaster all members of the U.S.M.C. and personal friends of Sgt. Wilson.
In lieu of flowers, the family of Sgt. Wade Wilson requests that donations be made to the "Sgt. Wade Daniel Wilson Scholarship Fund" set up at Citizen's State Bank in Buffalo and Centerville, or any Wells Fargo location. Also, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (link provided), a favorite charity of Wade's to which he regularly donated.
Walters Funeral Home
Centerville, Texas
2012
Family to receive Silver Star for fallen Marine
By Gidget Fuentes - Staff report
Posted: Monday Mar 11, 2013 19:27:59 EDT
OCEANSIDE, Calif. — The Marine Corps will award the Silver Star this week to a platoon sergeant who was fatally wounded as he returned fire on an insurgent attacking Marines in an ambush last year in Afghanistan.
The family of Sgt. Wade D. "Willy" Wilson will receive the posthumous award, the nation's third-highest medal for combat valor, during a Thursday ceremony at the 5th Marines Regiment parade deck at Camp Pendleton, Calif., 1st Marine Division officials announced Monday. Maj. Gen. Ronald L. Bailey, the division commander, will present the Silver Star to his mother and family.
Wilson, a 22-year-old assigned to 3rd Platoon, Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, was pulling security for a vehicle crippled by an improvised explosive device in Musa Qala, Helmand province, on May 11, 2012.
Wilson was in his armored vehicle when "an insurgent posing as a civilian retrieved an AK-47 from a poppy field 20 meters away and opened fire on four Marines in the downed vehicle, critically wounding the Marine in the rear of the vehicle," states the citation accompanying the Silver Star Medal.
Wilson "immediately withdrew his M9 pistol and, leaving the safety of his armored vehicle, fearlessly closed with the insurgent, placing himself between the critically wounded Marine and the insurgent's barrage of fire," the citation states. "Sustaining multiple gunshot wounds, he continued moving against the enemy until falling mortally wounded."
"His selfless dedication to place himself directly in the line of fire demonstrated tremendous courage and protected his fellow Marines from further harm," it states.
A thousand people attended Wilson's funeral in Texas, his home state. His death also captured the attention of country singer Taylor Swift — Wilson was a huge fan, friends said — after a close friend reached out to her with a YouTube "shout out" asking her to "think about" his loss.
"Please remember the ones who have fallen," former Cpl. Josh Marreel said in the 57-second video, which as of Monday had more than 44,000 views.
Swift reportedly contacted Wilson's family and sent flowers.
"My prayers go out to him and his family during this hard time," the pop star posted on her website last May
Funeral services for Sgt. Wade Wilson were held 10:00 AM, Saturday, May 19, 2012 at the Centerville High School Auditorium. Bro. Joe Dacus, pastor of Leona Baptist Church, officiated and interment with full military honors given by the U.S.M.C. followed in the Evans Chapel Cemetery near Leona, Texas.
Sgt. Wade Daniel Wilson, age 22 of Leona, Texas, was killed in action on Friday, May 11, 2012, while conducting combat operations in the Helmand province of Afghanistan. Sgt. Wilson was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, California.
Wade Daniel Wilson was born August 4, 1989, in Webster, Texas, was raised in Leon County and was a 2007 graduate of Centerville High School. He was a fun-loving person that packed more living into 22 years than most do in a lifetime. Outgoing with a lively sense of humor, he was also a real gentleman and treated everyone with respect. His character and willingness to do whatever it took to get the job done enabled him to succeed whether it was on the football field, track field, or whatever endeavor he chose. He had the heart of a champion.
Wade joined the Marines at age 17 and found the perfect fit for his drive, determination, and quest for a challenge. His faith in God and his complete devotion to what he was doing enabled him to serve with greatness and honor. While protecting his fellow comrades and his country, he gave all for something he believed in whole-heartedly. He made the ultimate sacrifice by giving his life to help protect our freedom. He is a true American hero.
Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 (NASB)
Most importantly, Wade was loved by so many and brought so much love into the lives of his family and friends. His family was extremely important to him. He loved his brothers and sister very much and had a special relationship with them. Wade was a giving and caring person and deeply touched those in his life. No family or friend ever questioned Wade's love for them and knew he was someone they could always count on. His was a short life as counted in years, but so full and rich counted in love, memories, inspiration, and making a lasting impression on his world. We all lost a hero and he will be forever loved and missed.
He is preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Lou Wilson and uncle, James Parish, both of Alvin, Texas.
Survivors include mother & step-father, Cindy Lee (Lowry) & Ward Easterling of Leona; father & step-mother, Mitchell Boyd "Rusty" & Tammy Wilson of Livingston; three brothers, Chad Mitchell Wilson (Brittney), Alex Ray Wilson (Kandace), and Curtis Lee Wilson; one sister, Layne Elise Wilson; three step-sisters, Teri Miro (Ben), Amy Kelley (fiancé, Mark Smith), and Lisa Brooks (Deon); grandparents, George & Dixie Lowry and Curtis & Bonnie Easterling; two nephews, Jaydon and Race Wilson; five nieces, Maddy, Sofia, Brittany, Graci, and Hydia; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.
Serving as pallbearers were Sgt. Elmer S. Miguel, Sgt. Anthony Crosby, Cpl. Joshua Marreel, Cpl. Justin Amundson, Cpl. David Oest and Cpl. Joe Lemaster all members of the U.S.M.C. and personal friends of Sgt. Wilson.
In lieu of flowers, the family of Sgt. Wade Wilson requests that donations be made to the "Sgt. Wade Daniel Wilson Scholarship Fund" set up at Citizen's State Bank in Buffalo and Centerville, or any Wells Fargo location. Also, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (link provided), a favorite charity of Wade's to which he regularly donated.
Walters Funeral Home
Centerville, Texas
2012
Family to receive Silver Star for fallen Marine
By Gidget Fuentes - Staff report
Posted: Monday Mar 11, 2013 19:27:59 EDT
OCEANSIDE, Calif. — The Marine Corps will award the Silver Star this week to a platoon sergeant who was fatally wounded as he returned fire on an insurgent attacking Marines in an ambush last year in Afghanistan.
The family of Sgt. Wade D. "Willy" Wilson will receive the posthumous award, the nation's third-highest medal for combat valor, during a Thursday ceremony at the 5th Marines Regiment parade deck at Camp Pendleton, Calif., 1st Marine Division officials announced Monday. Maj. Gen. Ronald L. Bailey, the division commander, will present the Silver Star to his mother and family.
Wilson, a 22-year-old assigned to 3rd Platoon, Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, was pulling security for a vehicle crippled by an improvised explosive device in Musa Qala, Helmand province, on May 11, 2012.
Wilson was in his armored vehicle when "an insurgent posing as a civilian retrieved an AK-47 from a poppy field 20 meters away and opened fire on four Marines in the downed vehicle, critically wounding the Marine in the rear of the vehicle," states the citation accompanying the Silver Star Medal.
Wilson "immediately withdrew his M9 pistol and, leaving the safety of his armored vehicle, fearlessly closed with the insurgent, placing himself between the critically wounded Marine and the insurgent's barrage of fire," the citation states. "Sustaining multiple gunshot wounds, he continued moving against the enemy until falling mortally wounded."
"His selfless dedication to place himself directly in the line of fire demonstrated tremendous courage and protected his fellow Marines from further harm," it states.
A thousand people attended Wilson's funeral in Texas, his home state. His death also captured the attention of country singer Taylor Swift — Wilson was a huge fan, friends said — after a close friend reached out to her with a YouTube "shout out" asking her to "think about" his loss.
"Please remember the ones who have fallen," former Cpl. Josh Marreel said in the 57-second video, which as of Monday had more than 44,000 views.
Swift reportedly contacted Wilson's family and sent flowers.
"My prayers go out to him and his family during this hard time," the pop star posted on her website last May
Sgt. Wade Daniel Wilson, age 22 of Leona, Texas, was killed in action on Friday, May 11, 2012, while conducting combat operations in the Helmand province of Afghanistan. Sgt. Wilson was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, California.
Wade Daniel Wilson was born August 4, 1989, in Webster, Texas, was raised in Leon County and was a 2007 graduate of Centerville High School. He was a fun-loving person that packed more living into 22 years than most do in a lifetime. Outgoing with a lively sense of humor, he was also a real gentleman and treated everyone with respect. His character and willingness to do whatever it took to get the job done enabled him to succeed whether it was on the football field, track field, or whatever endeavor he chose. He had the heart of a champion.
Wade joined the Marines at age 17 and found the perfect fit for his drive, determination, and quest for a challenge. His faith in God and his complete devotion to what he was doing enabled him to serve with greatness and honor. While protecting his fellow comrades and his country, he gave all for something he believed in whole-heartedly. He made the ultimate sacrifice by giving his life to help protect our freedom. He is a true American hero.
Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 (NASB)
Most importantly, Wade was loved by so many and brought so much love into the lives of his family and friends. His family was extremely important to him. He loved his brothers and sister very much and had a special relationship with them. Wade was a giving and caring person and deeply touched those in his life. No family or friend ever questioned Wade's love for them and knew he was someone they could always count on. His was a short life as counted in years, but so full and rich counted in love, memories, inspiration, and making a lasting impression on his world. We all lost a hero and he will be forever loved and missed.
He is preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Lou Wilson and uncle, James Parish, both of Alvin, Texas.
Survivors include mother & step-father, Cindy Lee (Lowry) & Ward Easterling of Leona; father & step-mother, Mitchell Boyd "Rusty" & Tammy Wilson of Livingston; three brothers, Chad Mitchell Wilson (Brittney), Alex Ray Wilson (Kandace), and Curtis Lee Wilson; one sister, Layne Elise Wilson; three step-sisters, Teri Miro (Ben), Amy Kelley (fiancé, Mark Smith), and Lisa Brooks (Deon); grandparents, George & Dixie Lowry and Curtis & Bonnie Easterling; two nephews, Jaydon and Race Wilson; five nieces, Maddy, Sofia, Brittany, Graci, and Hydia; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.
Serving as pallbearers were Sgt. Elmer S. Miguel, Sgt. Anthony Crosby, Cpl. Joshua Marreel, Cpl. Justin Amundson, Cpl. David Oest and Cpl. Joe Lemaster all members of the U.S.M.C. and personal friends of Sgt. Wilson.
In lieu of flowers, the family of Sgt. Wade Wilson requests that donations be made to the "Sgt. Wade Daniel Wilson Scholarship Fund" set up at Citizen's State Bank in Buffalo and Centerville, or any Wells Fargo location. Also, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (link provided), a favorite charity of Wade's to which he regularly donated.
Walters Funeral Home
Centerville, Texas
2012
Family to receive Silver Star for fallen Marine
By Gidget Fuentes - Staff report
Posted: Monday Mar 11, 2013 19:27:59 EDT
OCEANSIDE, Calif. — The Marine Corps will award the Silver Star this week to a platoon sergeant who was fatally wounded as he returned fire on an insurgent attacking Marines in an ambush last year in Afghanistan.
The family of Sgt. Wade D. "Willy" Wilson will receive the posthumous award, the nation's third-highest medal for combat valor, during a Thursday ceremony at the 5th Marines Regiment parade deck at Camp Pendleton, Calif., 1st Marine Division officials announced Monday. Maj. Gen. Ronald L. Bailey, the division commander, will present the Silver Star to his mother and family.
Wilson, a 22-year-old assigned to 3rd Platoon, Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, was pulling security for a vehicle crippled by an improvised explosive device in Musa Qala, Helmand province, on May 11, 2012.
Wilson was in his armored vehicle when "an insurgent posing as a civilian retrieved an AK-47 from a poppy field 20 meters away and opened fire on four Marines in the downed vehicle, critically wounding the Marine in the rear of the vehicle," states the citation accompanying the Silver Star Medal.
Wilson "immediately withdrew his M9 pistol and, leaving the safety of his armored vehicle, fearlessly closed with the insurgent, placing himself between the critically wounded Marine and the insurgent's barrage of fire," the citation states. "Sustaining multiple gunshot wounds, he continued moving against the enemy until falling mortally wounded."
"His selfless dedication to place himself directly in the line of fire demonstrated tremendous courage and protected his fellow Marines from further harm," it states.
A thousand people attended Wilson's funeral in Texas, his home state. His death also captured the attention of country singer Taylor Swift — Wilson was a huge fan, friends said — after a close friend reached out to her with a YouTube "shout out" asking her to "think about" his loss.
"Please remember the ones who have fallen," former Cpl. Josh Marreel said in the 57-second video, which as of Monday had more than 44,000 views.
Swift reportedly contacted Wilson's family and sent flowers.
"My prayers go out to him and his family during this hard time," the pop star posted on her website last May
Inscription
SGT US MARINE CORPS
AFGHANISTAN
PURPLE HEART
OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM
