John L. Wilson

John Wilson, 66, of Warren, known as Pete Wilson and Papie to his loved ones, died Monday, October 6, 2008 at his daughter's home in Youngstown, surrounded by his loving family. He was born April 23, 1942 in Cumberland, Maryland, the son of George and Rose May (Abe) Wilson, and had lived in the Warren area since 1957.

Mr. Wilson was a member of Warren Baptist Temple for 44 years and had served as a Sunday School teacher and a bus driver for the church. He worked as a bus driver for Special Community Busing for many years. He enjoyed horseshoes, taking his grandchildren fishing, and playing the harmonica everywhere he went. He also enjoyed making people laugh and spreading God's word to everyone he came across.

He married the former Mary McKenzie on March 4, 1966. Together, they were happily married for 42 years. He leaves behind his wife, Mary; four children: Lavonna Woofter of Warren, Janet and husband Lee Turner of Warren, John Wilson, Jr. of Sharon, Pa., and Michelle Wilson of Youngstown; fourteen grandchildren: John David Wilson, Michael Wilson, Lee Lee Turner, Carrie Turner, Cassidy Woofter, Timothy Turner, Stephen Wilson, Tiffany Turner, Samuel Wilson, Shawn Wilson, Meranda Wilson, Sabastien Wilson, Marycaitlyn Wilson, and Dakota Wilson; two great-grandchildren, Johntezz Wilson and Isaac Turner; four brothers: Cliff (Joann) Wilson of Warren, Dan (Sandra) Wilson of Niles, Bob Wilson of Cumberland, Md., and George (Sonjie) Wilson of Leavittsburg; and several nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death are his parents; a sister, Rose Marie Wilson; and a brother, Harry Wilson.

Services are 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 10, 2008 at Warren Baptist Temple, with Rev. James Dittmar officiating. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Friends may call 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at McFarland & Son Funeral Home, and 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Friday at the church. Material contributions may be made to Warren Baptist Temple, 2093 Ewalt N.E., Warren, Ohio 44483.

Arrangements are entrusted to McFarland & Son Funeral Services Co., 271 N. Park Ave., Warren, Ohio 44481. Please visit www.mcfarlandfuneral.com to view this obituary and send condolences.