Byford Wilson, 74, of Mt. Vernon died 10:23 a.m. Sept. 23, 2002, at St. Mary's/Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon.

He had a lifelong profession of working in body shops. He was the owner and operator of Byford Wilson Body Shop for 38 years and prior to opening his own business, he worked in various body shops in the Mt. Vernon area.

Mr. Wilson was born July 9, 1928, in Mt. Vernon to Joseph and Vesta (Dees) Wilson.

He married Mildred (Brieseacher) Wilson July 10, 1948; she survives.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday at Hughey Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon with a flag presentation service by the chaplain of American Legion Post 141. The Rev. Everett Lemay will officiate. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home with Jefferson County Shrine Club walk-through services at 7:30 p.m.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Wilson is survived by two sons, Dennis Wilson and wife Sandy of Mt. Vernon and Dean Wilson and wife Lisa of Mt. Vernon; two brothers, Bill Wilson and wife Jesse LaVern of Walnut Hill and Glen "Mutt" Wilson and wife Geraldine of Mt. Vernon; a sister, Fay Wells of Bonnie; three grandchildren, Dennell E. Wilson of Mt. Vernon, Erich A. Wilson of Mt. Vernon and Chris Palmer and wife Erin of Salem; three great-grandchildren, Ashton Palmer, Madison Palmer and Kaitlyn Palmer, all of Salem; a brother-in-law, Melvin Ballard of Mt. Vernon; a sister-in-law, Harriett Wilson of Kansas City; and several nieces and nephews.

He was a member of Logan Street Baptist Church, Mt. Vernon Masonic Lodge 31 A.F. and A.M., Andrew D. Webb Chapter 160, Patton Commandery 69 Knights Templar, Ainad Shrine Temple East St. Louis and Jefferson County Shrine Club.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Gayle and Lowell; and one sister, Vivian Ballard.

For those who wish, memorials may be made to the church of the contributor's choice or Shriner's Children?s Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home or may be mailed to Hughey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 721, Mt. Vernon, Ill. 62864.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Hughey Funeral Home, where you may call 242-3348 for obituary information at any time.

Source: Register-News, Mt Vernon IL
Date: September 24, 2002
Submitted by: Robert W. Loman