August 9, 1925 to April 4, 2021
Bill Wilson 95, of Des Moines passed away on Sunday, April 4, 2021 at Mercy Hospice in Johnston, Iowa. William Neal Wilson was born on August 9, 1925 in Des Moines, Iowa; he was the son of Lawrence Delmar and Lina Ethel (Copeland) Wilson. Bill graduated from Des Moines East High with the class of 1943. He served his country honorably in the United States Navy from 1943 until 1946. William married Frances Estella Douglas on June 20, 1947 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Des Moines. Bill and Estella made their home and raised their family in Des Moines where he drove streetcars for 9 years and worked for the Des Moines Police Department 30 years. He was a long-time member of First Federated Church and many Police Association groups. He enjoyed golf, scuba diving, dancing with Estella, and being a pilot, a barber and had a great love and admiration for his family.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 73 years Estella, son Douglas (Cindy) Wilson of Springfield, Illinois, daughter-in-law Nellie Wilson-Stirm of Ankeny, grandchildren, Stephanie Bamberger, Andrew (Jolene) Wilson, Kelly (Patrick) Williams, John (Zsofi) Wilson, Wendy Wilson, and Jeff Wilson and 17 great-grandchildren.
In death Bill rejoins his parents, son Stephen William Wilson, and siblings Marie, Lawrence and Alfred.
A private family service will be held due to Covid at Merle Hay Funeral Home. Memorials designated to Des Moines Streetcar Friends may be sent to family.
