Emory Lee Wilson, 76, slipped away peacefully on the morning of Friday, November 6, 2026, at the Chillicothe Veterans Hospital. He was surrounded by his brothers in arms and the dedicated caregivers who had watched over him for the last five years of his life.
Emory was born on April 23, 1950, to Herschel Wilson and Mary E. Wilson of Pike County, Ohio. He proudly served in the United States Army for 13 years and was a Vietnam War veteran. Over the years, Emory worked as a mechanic and a truck driver, and he was a longtime firearms enthusiast.
In retirement, Emory devoted much of his time to helping fellow veterans. His commitment to those who served stayed with him throughout his life. He also enjoyed attending Mt. Olive Community Church in Lucasville, Ohio.
Emory is survived by his sisters, Leona Schmidt and Phyllis (Greg) Casselman, both of Waverly, Ohio, his sons, Norman Wilson and Neal Wilson, stepson Kevin Marshall, nephew Scott Schmidt, as well as some very special neighbors Dan (Amy) Moore and Michael McGahee. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herschel and Mary E. Wilson, half-brother Melvin Schmidt, sister-in-law Dorothy Schmidt, and Karen (mother of his two children).
Emory’s family extends its heartfelt thanks to the caregivers at the Chillicothe Veterans Hospital for looking after him over the past
five years and to his brothers in arms for being by his side in his final hours, and for honoring him with a Final Salute.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Chillicothe Veterans Hospital in honor of Emory L. Wilson.
Full service details and the family guest book are available at Botkin Hornback Funeral Home – Waverly.