Gary L. “Red” Wilson

Gary L. “Red” Wilson

August 27, 1938 ~ October 28, 2022

FAMILY RECEIVES FRIENDS: Wednesday, November 2, 2022, 5:00-7:00PM, West Center Chapel. FUNERAL SERVICE: Thursday, November 3, 2022, 11:00AM, Lutheran Church of the Master, 2617 S. 114 St., Omaha, NE.  INTERMENT: Westlawn-Hillcrest Memorial Park. Memorials are suggested to Lutheran Church of the Master.

To view a live broadcast of the Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.

Gary Lee Wilson was born on August 27, 1938, to Doris and Cecil Wilson. He had 2 younger brothers Terry and Rex.  In 1956, Gary graduated from Omaha North High School. Gary married the love of his life Hazel Snyder on May 23, 1959 and was married for almost 63 years. The two of them had 3 children: Larry, Connie, and Julie.  They were blessed with 7 grandchildren:  Bobby, Ryan, Jamie, Alyssa, Shaina, Steven, and Amber.

Gary was known by many as “Red” Wilson, not only for his red curly locks but also for his love of big red football. Red and Hazel had season tickets for almost 60 years. He enjoyed reading every article and watching all the big red highlights on tv.

Red was a member of Local 3 Sheet Metal Workers Association. He worked most of his career with Les Johnson at Controlled Comfort. He retired in 2000 and spent the next 22 years traveling, and spoiling Hazel, his kids and grandkids.

Gary spent many years bowling on Friday nights with the Building Industries League at Ames Bowl and later at Maplewood Lanes. His coworkers and best friends Jack Richardson and Don Heck were also on the league with him. The past 22 years, he has enjoyed his regular Friday lunch group. Many of his friends have come and gone but he loved sharing stories over a meal every Friday. He treasured those friendships with Jack, Don, Bob, Max, Roger, Randy, and Jim.

Red was a Christian man and enjoyed helping at church with the candles and offerings. His church family was his rock and was such a refuge for him after the loss of Hazel. Pastor Tyler and Jim Norton played a large part in keeping his faith strong.  Bible study was a new chapter for him in the past 6 months and he looked forward to every Thursday morning with his church family.

Thank you all for coming to honor our father today. He loved being around people and he never met a stranger. He was so generous with his time, love, and support. Dad was always so cheerful and lit up a room with his jokes and stories. We are all saddened and shocked by his passing but find comfort knowing he is in heaven with the Lord and his soulmate Hazel.