George Lewis Wilson, born September 30, 1937, in Peoria, Illinois, passed away peacefully July 2 at the Hospice Community Center of the Robert J. Dole Veterans Affairs Medical Center. He lived a full and wonderful 86 years of life.

His life touched so many as a husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, friend, caregiver, neighbor, and U.S. Marine.

Born in Illinois, his family moved to Wichita, and he graduated from Wichita North High School in 1955. George joined the Marines in 1956 as a radio technician, serving until 1959. He was proud of his Marine Corps service.

One thing everyone remembers about George was his orneriness, a rebel's sense of never taking life too seriously.

Friends and family relied on his sense of humor, positive attitude, and generous spirit that put people at ease and getting smiles, even in stressful situations. He was quick to make friends and was one to stay in touch. If there was someone in need, he would find a way to help.

George raised five children and welcomed two stepchildren as his own. He showed them how to enjoy life through spending time at the park, baseball games at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium, camping, flying kites, and other ways of providing joy and balance to life.

George worked in finance much of his career and in real estate. His primary hobbies were gardening and woodworking.

He was an avid sports fan, rooting for the Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs. George religiously did his March Madness bracket in good-natured competition with his wife Judy.

George is survived by his wife of 41 years, Judy Kay Wilson; his children Tonya Wilson (Brian Lepley) of Houston, TX; Tim Wilson (Sandy) of Ashland, KS.; Marla Halfpenny (Jim) of Eagle River, AK.; Michael Wilson of Sarasota, FL; Anthony Wilson (Julie) of Wichita; step children Tammy Moffett (Shawn) of Haysville and Cris Adams (LiYan Chen), of Wichita, KS. Grandchildren Priscilla Sonnier, Ashley Woods, Blake Halfpenny, Elizabeth Bifalco; step-grandchildren Brian Johnson, Pichora Fistler, Bradley Adams and HongBin Yang. He was blessed with many great grandchildren.

George's surviving siblings are Sharon Smith (Larry) of Wichita; Joyce Bigelow of Longview, WA; and half-brother Carlton Vandervert (Sue) of Hutchison. He is preceded in death by his father James Bertold Wilson and mother, Velma Virginia, and brother Gary Wilson of Wichita.

A mention to all his neighbors, a block of tight-knit folks that will miss George also. They were especially gracious and helpful during the challenging last years. He and Judy are eternally grateful for the support.

Plans are pending for a celebration of life.