Millard E. Wilson 1926-2022

Millard was born in Karns City, Pa., on Nov. 21, 1926, the son of Colonel and Goldie Fair Wilson and came to Niles following his honorable discharge from the Navy.

Millard was a 1944 graduate of Karns City High School and was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving during World War II and stationed in Hawaii as a cryptologist because he was good at solving cryptograms — messages written in code from the newspapers. He then intercepted and decoded messages from Japan, Germany and several other countries. He received a medal for his service in the Asian Pacific Campaign.

He retired in 1960 as a Class A Engine Operator with the B & O Railroad following 30 faithful years of service. He was previously employed for the Mahoning Valley Steel Company and also was a heavy equipment operator of bulldozers and crane.

A member of St. Stephen Church, he served as a church usher, was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus No. 1681 and was a fourth-degree member and faithfully volunteered on the honor guard team.

Millard served with the Niles Special Police, was a member of the Niles American Legion Post, an avid camper, fisherman and especially enjoyed family and friends gathering around the nightly campfires. He was a member of the Niles SCOPE and participated in many of their activities and he learned how to play the ukulele at the age of 91.

Millard is survived by his six children, Michael (Mary) Wilson of Niles, Rose Ann (Michael) Norris of Grove City, Pa., Felix Wilson of McDonald, Francine Thompson of Boardman, Randy (Sue) Wilson Sr. of Howland and Charles (Candy) Wilson Sr. of Southington; 19 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren.

Millard was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Ferrari Wilson, whom he married Feb. 7, 1948, and she passed away July 1, 2000; daughter-in-law, Darlene Wilson, who died June 23, 2019; and six brothers.

Calling hours will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at the Holeton-Yuhasz Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 8, 2022, at St. Stephen Church with the Rev. Richard Murphy as celebrant.

Burial will follow in St. Stephen Cemetery.

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