Michael Wilson

Michael William Wilson, of Eureka, died from cancer of the esophagus on Thursday, May 24, 2012 at Greenwood County Hospital, in Eureka at the age of 50. He was born on March 24, 1962 in Wichita, the son of Glen William and Carma Leta (Smith) Wilson. In 1967 his family settled in Eureka where he lived until his graduation from Eureka High School in 1980. During his high school years, Mike was a noted athlete and musician, receiving statewide honors in both. He later received his bachelor's degree from Pittsburg State University, and was soon after united in marriage to Valerie Paul in Joplin, Mo., on Dec. 22, 1990. His new family started their lives together in Lufkin, Texas, where Mike started his career as an engineer for Lufkin Industries and was later promoted to management. While living in Lufkin, Mike and Valerie raised three children, Paul William, Autumn Estelle, and Michael Alexander. During this time, he also earned his master's degree in business administration from Stephen F. Austin State University. The family moved to Rogers, Ark., in 1999 when Mike accepted an engineering position with Pratt and Whitney. He retired early to enjoy raising his children, fishing, and tending to his garden. Mike and his family finally settled in Eureka in 2011. He is survived by his wife, Valerie of the home; three children, Paul William Wilson, Autumn Estelle Wilson, and Michael Alexander Wilson; parents, Glen and Carma Leta Wilson; and brother, Matt Wilson all of Eureka. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, May 28, 2012 at the First United Methodist Church in Eureka with Rev. Kenneth Baker officiating. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Mike Wilson Scholarship Fund. Contributions may be sent in care of Koup Family Funeral Home at P.O. Box 595, Eureka, Kan., 67045, which is in charge of service arrangements.