Keith Wilson

Keith Wilson, 93 years of Toledo and Naples, Florida died peacefully Saturday February 11, 2012 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio after suffering a severe stroke 3 weeks previously. Born in Indianapolis, Indiana on January 18, 1919 his family moved to Toledo, Ohio when Keith was a small child. He ultimately attended DeVilbiss High School where he met the love of his life Jeanne Speyer at age 16. He attended Ohio State University receiving a degree in business prior to marrying Jeanne and enlisting in the US Navy. While at Ohio State he became a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. As a lieutenant in the USN he was stationed in the south pacific. Keith never saw his first child Karen until 18 months of age upon his return from World War II. Throughout a busy career, Keiths unwavering devotion and love for his childhood sweetheart and bride remained his singular priority in life. Keith had a distinguished career in business and community service. He spent his entire working career of 42 years with Champion Spark Plug Company. He joined the company in Detroit as an accountant in the ceramics division. He later was transferred to the Toledo headquarters and served in various capacities, including purchasing agent, director of purchasing, director of international operations, vice president of international operations and vice president of public relations. He retired from the latter position in 1984. His responsibilities with Champion opened the doors to many areas of service. He was a board member of both the Toledo and Ohio Chamber of Commerce. He also served on the board of the Ohio Manufacturers Association. He served on public affair and policy committees of the National Association of Manufacturers, the Manufacturers and Allied Products Institute, The National Municipal League, the American Legislative Exchange Council, and the U.S. Industrial Council, receiving numerous awards for his business and service contributions. His charitable endeavors were numerous, serving as a board member and board president and chairman for Riverside Hospital. He has been on the executive committee of the YMCA serving two terms as president. He served in multiple managerial capacities for the Red Cross, United Way, Toledo Public Schools, Mercy Hospital, and the NAACP college fund. He was active with the Boy Scouts, Better Business Bureau, Cancer Society, Goodwill Industries, Toledo Speech and Hearing Center, Northwest Ohio Heart Association and Toledo Council of World Affairs. He is a former clerk-treasurer, councilman, and mayor of the Village of Ottawa Hills. He was a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1980 and 1984 contributing to the efforts to elect Ronald Reagan as president. Keith was a mason, rising to the level of the 33rd degree. He was a member of the Royal Order of Jesters and numerous Masonic organizations. A long time member of First Congregational Church of Toledo, he served as moderator, deacon and other positions over the years. Keith was a 50 year member of the Inverness club as well as a member of the Royal Poinciana Club in Naples Florida. He will always be remembered for being a great husband, father and grandfather. We are all eternally grateful for his hard work and caring support. A member of the greatest generation, arising from humble beginnings he achieved success through hard work and great opportunity for which he was always grateful. He loved his country and all it represented and worked tirelessly to perpetuate the ideals which made it great. He is survived by his son Dr. Peter J. Wilson and his wife Kathryn, grandchildren Kyle B. Wilson, Jacqueline S. Wilson, Elizabeth M. Wilson, Suzanne S. Stevens Mark, Jennifer L. Stevens and Andrew B. Stevens Lisa; great-grandchildren Melanie Dunn, Samantha Dunn, Tyler Stevens, Maggie Stevens and Zoey Stevens and special friend Gloria Kistler. He is preceded in death by his wife Jeanne S. Wilson, son Keith B. Wilson and daughter Karen W. Stevens. Boddy, we will forever miss your wisdom, moderating advice and compassion. Your infectious smile, sense of humor, strong principles and unwavering independence will stay with us in your absence. Rest in peace, you will never be forgotten. Friends may visit the family at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave west of Corey on Friday from 5-8 PM where funeral services will be conducted on Saturday at 11 AM with Rev. Robert Wuellner officiating. Interment will follow at Toledo Memorial Park Cemetery. The family suggests memorials in Keiths name to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, 30000 River Rd. Perrysburg, Ohio 43551 or First Congregational Church 2315 Collingwood Blvd, Toledo, Ohio 43620 or to a charity of the donors choice.