Thomas T. ‘Ted’ Wilson, age 76 of Cridersville, died at 8:28 p.m., Saturday, February 7, 2015 at Kindred of Lima. He had suffered with COPD and Emphysema for several years, and it finally took his life. He was born September 16, 1938 in New Boston, Ohio; the son of the late Thomas Alexander Wilson and Georgia Edna Throckmorton Wilson Arick. On June 26th, 2013 he married his best friend and companion of 18 years, Joyce Wittler Knippen in Las Vegas, NV, and she survives in Cridersville.
He is also survived by a son – Mark Phillip Wilson of East Liberty; a daughter – Patricia Ann Kauffman of Bellefontaine; step children – Lori (Steve) Beining of Cloverdale, OH; Cheryl (Rick) Hellman of Delphos, Todd (Linda) Knippen of Ft. Jennings; Molly (Kevin) Hoersten of Ft. Jennings; Chad (Laura) Knippen of Ottoville; grandchildren – Eva (Dylon) Woodruff, Emma Wilson; Levi Kauffman, Wade Kauffman, and Ryan Kauffman; step grandchildren – Morgan Beining, Taylor Beining, Sarah Hellman, Kyle Hellman, Brooke Hellman, Kasey Knippen, Nikki Knippen, Evan, Hoersten, Adam Hoersten, Aidan Hoersten, Erica Knippen, Colin Knippen; great granddaughters – Rylee Mae Woodruff and Rory Lynn Woodruff; cousins Linda Ann (Rodney) Preston of Peoria, OH; David (Kathy) Ratliff of Columbus and Emory Wilson.
He loved telling jokes and stories, especially from the past and making people laugh. He adored his 5 Jack Russell Terriers, with Ginger being his dearest. He and Joyce traveled many times to Mexico, especially loving Cancun. They also treasured their time in Las Vegas. He served 4 years in the United States Air Force where he was stationed in Scotland. He later retired from the Lima Ford Engine Plant in February of 2000. He enjoyed fishing and was a member of the American Legion #96 and the Eagles Aerie Lodge #370 both of Lima.
Graveside services will be held at a later date in East Liberty Cemetery, where military rites will be observed.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, the local Humane Society, or to the donor’s choice.