On Thursday, April 16th, 2020, Wilson Raymond Fessenden, Jr., 77 of Hannibal, entered his eternal rest with his Lord and Savior Jesus, while surrounded by family in his home.
Wilson was born on March 25th, 1943, in Hannibal, MO, to Wilson R. Fessenden, and Edith Vedenhaupt Fessenden Risse. He was raised by his Grandparents Albert and Mary Turner, until he met his sweetheart and soulmate of more than 60 years, Barbara Jean Parker, and she survives. They were married on June 30th, 1962, and began an incredible journey of faith and family.
Wilson enlisted in the United States Army in 1963 and served a distinguished 20-year career. He proudly served with the 101st Airborne Division during a tour in Vietnam from 1968-1969 where he earned two Purple Hearts and an Army Commendation Medal for Valor, among the many medals and awards he earned throughout his dedicated service to our country. He was a recruiter, stationed in Hannibal, MO, from 1973-1978. In 1984 he retired as Sergeant First Class (E7). Wilson graduated from Columbia College and had additional careers as a shipping/production supervisor at Buckhorn Rubber Products and later retired as the security supervisor at Hannibal Regional Hospital.
He and Barbara spent several years stationed in Germany, where they began building their amazing family of seven children, 14 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, with two more (twins) on the way. He was preceded in death by children James Albert and Tamara Renae Fessenden, who they had adopted while stationed in Schweinfurt. Surviving children are Wilson (Julie) Fessenden, III, of Hastings, NE; Joseph (Alicia) Fessenden of Troy, MO; Angela (Marshall) Miller of New London, MO; Deborah (Chad) Walden of Hannibal, MO; and Kristopher (Gayla) Fessenden of Quincy, IL.
Grandchildren are Jeff (Jessie) Davis, Tim Fessenden, Jenna (Aaron) Hayes, Andrew Fessenden, Justin (Kristen) Davis, Joey Fessenden, Riley Walden, Brady Fessenden, Dawson (Landry) Walden, Abby Fessenden, Jack Fessenden, Macy Walden, Matthew Fessenden, and Hannah Damron. Great-grandchildren are Sophia, Michael, and Madison (Jenna) Hayes, and Robbie (Riley) Walden.
Siblings are Joseph Fessenden (deceased) of Belvidere, IL; Ronald (Shirley) Almandinger of Cartersville, MO; Rita Fessenden of Tuscan, AZ; Ralph (Ellen) Fessenden of Poplar Grove, IL; Ray Ward of Hannibal, MO; Marion Baughman (deceased) of Quincy, IL; John (Jeanie) Risse of Beaver Dam, WI; Deborah (Pete) Philbrick of Hickory, NC; and Joyce Muehring of Hannibal, MO. Wilson has numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family whom he adored.
Wilson put his faith above all else and was a beloved member of the New Life Pentecostal Church where he has served on the church board since 1988. He and Barbara worked with the church Bible Quiz Team for 8 eight years and enjoyed teaching the junior high boys Sunday School class. Wilson enjoyed reading the Bible, traveling, fishing and camping with his family, and playing games on his computer, and hanging out with his puppies, Corky and Schatzey. More than anything else on this earth he cherished every day and moment spent with his wife and family. He was incredibly proud of his grandchildren and his last few years have been brightened even further by his great grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21st, 2020, at Grand View Funeral Burial Park in Hannibal, MO.
Pallbearers will be Wilson's grandsons and Honorary Pallbearers will be his granddaughters.
Memorials can be made to the New Life Pentecostal Church in Hannibal, MO.
Graveside
APR
21.
2:00 PM (CST)
Grand View Burial Park
11116 Hwy 61
Hannibal, MO 63401