LaVerne "Pete" R. Wilson

LaVerne “Pete” R. Wilson, 88, of Durand, IL died at 2:42 a.m. Wednesday, July 24, at Javon Bea Hospital after a short illness.

He was born in Rockford, IL on March 22, 1936, the son of Roger and Florence Wilson. He retired from JL Clark after 50 years of service. He married Marcia Segraves on January 25, 1963. She was the love of his life and the two were married for 57 years. LaVerne always went by the nickname Pete. He enjoyed hunting and fishing – especially fishing for catfish in the Pecatonica River. He was the host of many fish fries and invited friends and relatives from far and wide. He also loved puttering around in his garage and yard and always had a large garden growing. He showed his love for his community by being a volunteer fireman, serving on the Zoning Board, being the school crossing guard for 20 years and helping with the Scouts and school.

Pete was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was a pillar of humanity, always helping family, friends and strangers without being asked. Pete knew no strangers, only friends. He will be greatly missed by many.

Survivors include his son Gary (Ruth) Ingram; daughters Marcella Heck, Tracey (Mike) Merrell, Karen (John) Buck, Roger (Jill) Wilson, Susan Wilson; grandchildren Jason (Ahna) Nicol, Christina (Nick) Schell, Wesley (Michelle) Haskins, Nicholas Merrell, Frankie Ingram, Maddie Ingram, Olivia Merrell; great grandchildren Alyssa, Kadence, Emma, Elyanna, Bradley, Paxton, Isaac, Nora; numerous nieces and nephews; sisters Carol Ann DuFoe, Juanita Plew, Hazel Akers, brother Les Wilson, brother and sister-in-law Ray and Marnelle Wolfe.

Predeceased by his wife Marcia Wilson, parents, grandson Bradley Ingram, daughter Carmaletta Gail Ingram, and sister Marilyn Collins.

Visitation will be Tuesday, July 30, from 10 a.m. to noon at the McCorkle Funeral Home in Durand, IL with services to follow. Interment will be held at 1:00 p.m. at the Durand Township Cemetery. Lunch will be served afterwards at the United Methodist Church in Durand.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to the Durand School for a special project.