Service Information
The Community Center in Old Agency Villa
Saturday, 9/27
10:00 A.M.
Visitation Information
Le Roy “Francis” Wilson
July 30, 1937 – September 21, 2008
Le Roy “Francis” Wilson, 71, passed away peacefully into the spirit world on September 21, 2008 after a short but courageous battle with cancer. His wife sat vigil by his side as he made his journey.
Francis was born in Sisseton, SD to Rebecca Flute and Nathan Wilson on July 30, 1937. He was raised in Granite Falls, MN by a special aunt, Hazel Cavender. He was a member of the Sisseton-Wahpeton-Oyate and the oldest of his siblings.
Francis served his country in the United States Navy from 1955 to 1959. He later went on to become a welder and a truck driver working at various jobs which took him all over the country. He was reunited with his childhood sweetheart, Yvonne Lucille McCoy and they were united in marriage on January 30, 1983, in Granite Falls, MN. They made their home in Keizer, Oregon where he was employed at the Chemawa Indian School for 24 years. Francis was a favorite among the students and his co-workers and was viewed as a tireless mentor, counselor, and role model. He volunteered much of his free time and talents to the students and school functions. He received an Achievement Award in 2007 from the student body for his service to the school and students. Francis also enjoyed bingo and traveling and was a gifted artist with oil and water-color paintings. He provided the artwork for the pow-wows at school. He was a loving husband and family man.
He is survived by his wife, Yvonne Wilson of Keizer, OR; daughter and son-in-law: Sheila and Grover Branson of Big Stone Gap, VA; son, Shaun Lee Naranjo of Jefferson, OR; grandson, Michael Ryan Branson of Big Stone Gap, VA; sisters and brothers: Dorothea Wilson, Delores (Terry) Larson, Glen (Bonita) Wilson, Richard “Duke” Wilson, all of Sisseton, SD, Gayle Campbell of Shakopee, MN, Dawn Wilson of Lincoln, NE, Joann (Jeff) Bachmann and Yvonne (Don) Ulbricht of Gillette, WY, Audrey (Paul) Lawrence of Brookings, SD, Brenda Wilson and Brian Wilson of Watertown, SD, Diane (Scott) Starcevich of Palatine, IL, Valerie Wilson of Madison, SD; hunka daughter, Ruby Mulligan of Granite Falls, MN; special niece, Elena Wilson of Sisseton, SD; and many other nieces, nephews, friends, co-workers, past and present students of Chemawa Indian School.
Francis was preceded in death by his parents; special aunt; five brothers: Baine Wilson, Elroy “Sammy” Wilson, Robert “Bobby” Wilson, Oliver Wilson, and Hazen Wilson; and two sisters: Shirley Wilson, and Reverend Shirley Johnson.
Wakes services will be held at the SWO Community Center, Agency Village, SD on Wednesday, September 24th with an all night wake service on Thursday, September 25th. All wake services begin at 7:00 P.M. Funeral Services will be on Saturday, September 27, 2008 at 10:00 A.M. at the SWO Community Center. Burial will be at the Goodwill Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Agency Village.