Merton Wilson Obituary (1927

Merton George Wilson, 83, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at Manor Care Health Services in Tacoma, following a sudden illness. Merton was born December 01, 1927 in Bremerton to the late Sydney and Lois Wilson. Merton (Mert) grew up on Fox Island before serving in the United States Army in the Korean War, then settling in University Place. On August 3rd, 1946, he married Doris Mae Peterson, his loving childhood sweetheart from Fox Island and raised their family in University Place. Mert and Doris were married nearly 48 years together and enjoyed the great times together with family and friends especially the family gatherings on Fox Island and the Gig Harbor Peninsula. Mert was a retired automobile electrician in his nearly 50-year career with Puget Sound Auto Electric and as Service Manager with R.E. Auto Electric, both in Tacoma. He was known in the trade as "Golden Wrench". Mert also served the University Place community as a volunteer fireman with the University Place Fire Department, rising to the rank of Captain. Service group memberships include the Tacoma Eagles, Gig Harbor Eagles and the Tacoma VFW. He loved his family and friends while never too busy to serve the community or help out others by fixing their automobiles or boats. Mert is survived by sons Jerry of McLean, VA and Bryon of Ventura, CA; granddaughter Megan of Seattle, grandson Justin (wife Chrissy) of Tacoma and great-granddaughter Reese of Tacoma. He is survived by his brother Darrell of Tacoma; nieces, nephews and cousins; and of course his significant other and long time companion, Clara Hinkle of University Place. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Doris Wilson; son John Wilson; brothers Raymond Wilson and Wayne (Butch) Wilson; father-in-law Carl Peterson and mother-in-law Fannie Peterson. The family wishes to thank Mert's companion Clara for all her lasting love to Dad and to the Manor Care Health Services of Tacoma for their kind support and thoughtfulness.