Edwin Varner Wilson passed away peacefully at his granddaughter’s home in Peoria, Arizona on May 22, 2022, surrounded by three generations.
He was born March 16, 1927 in Sunnyside, Utah to James and Kate Hatter Wilson. Married Virginia Eleanor Perez Wilson in December of 1957 in Price, Utah. She passed away September 3, 2020.
Eddie’s most wonderful pride and joy was his late wife, Virginia. He lived each and every day, dedicated to his beloved. Whether he was carting her around town to every yard sale available, or just taking a ride up the canyon hoping to find pine nuts to pick. Every day since he had to say, “goodbye for a while,” he’s done his best to keep up her yard and flowers, living up to each and every promise he made to her.
Aside from his family and community, Eddie’s greatest devotion was to the military. After having served eight years in the US Air Force, he returned to the coal mining industry, where he would remain until his retirement and is still a proud member of the UMWA local 8622 with over 70 years of service. His commitment didn’t stop there. In the late 1960’s, Eddie joined The American Legion Helper Post #21. He was a member of the Post’s Honor Guard, and held various officer positions while he was a member of Post 21 for 44 years; Post 21’s members transferred to Price Post #3 some years ago. Ed has remained active with The American Legion Price Post #3 carrying the US flag during parades, ceremonies and during military funeral honors for the past six years. Eddie’s service to community and fellow veterans continued through the Legion for over 54 years.
Eddie’s other passions are “his boy,” Jeff Smith and four-wheeling. Many a time was dedicated to riding the hills of Helper and Price literally up to a few months before his passing.
His life was full, never a dull moment and he just didn’t stop living. A 95-year-old man building sheds, doing yard work, helping his neighbors, loving his family, exploring the hills of Carbon County, and giving his time to his fellow veterans. All these ingredients made one of the most amazing men that ever lived; a husband, a friend, a valued community member, our grandfather, Edwin Varner Wilson, you will be so missed.
Eddie is survived by his son, Tom Pierce, California; daughter, Lynda Adams, Pocatello, ID; granddaughters, Bobbi Smith, Peoriz, AZ, Lisa Smith, Cleveland, OH; great-grandchildren, Jeffory Smith, Brooke Keele, Mikelle Smith, Tylynn Smith, Sabrina Santi, Zakgary Smallwood; great-great-grandchildren, A’nnalisa Caraballo, Giannalyn Caraballo, Jaydenrose Taylor, Kaden Cameron Keele; brother-in-law, Tony (Lucinda) Perez; sister-in-law, Carmel Barella.
Preceded in death by his beloved wife, Virginia; daughter, Benita Gomez; granddaughter, Brenda Smallwood.
Funeral services are currently pending.