Aug. 9, 1920 — Nov. 17, 2015

William Polk Wilson, Sr., 95, of Dowagiac, died peacefully Tuesday evening, Nov. 17, 2015, in Borgess Memorial Hospital in Kalamazoo.

He was born Aug. 9, 1920, in Calvin Center, Michigan to James and Mary (Curtis) Wilson, the youngest of 15 children. He married Della Evelyn Curry Aug. 3, 1940, in Cassopolis, Michigan. She preceded him in death July 25, 2000. He was also preceded in death by his parents; two sons, William Polk Wilson, Jr., Marshall Allen Wilson; and fourteen sisters and brothers.

Polk resided in Dowagiac for more than 70 years. He was meticulous about his gardening and yard work. He loved hunting and fishing. Polk was passionate about his family. He was loving and giving beyond measure. Polk’s family remembers him as being dedicated to his wife of sixty years, loving and caring for her until her passing. He was strong willed and hardworking, never missing a day of work. He retired from Clark’s Equipment Company in Benton Harbor after 27 years.

William will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by four daughters, Darlene Smith of South Bend, Rebbecca (Billy Foster) Sullivan of Dowagiac, Victoria Wilson of Dowagiac, Valerie McDuffy of Three Rivers; one son, Ronald (Mary) Wilson of South Bend; twenty two grandchildren; forty three great grandchildren; forty two great great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will gather Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015, from noon until time of service at 1 p.m. in Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, 202 North Broadway St., Cassopolis, with Pastor Irene Robinson officiating. Mr. Wilson will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Della Evelyn, in Bethel Cemetery in Calvin Center.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.