Well known lifetime Sanford resident, Edker Hamilton Wilson, passed away July 16, 2018 at his home in Sanford, Colorado at the age of 97.  Edker was the middle child of John Wesley Wilson and Amos Timi Woods Wilson, and was born on April 24, 1921 in Alamosa, Colorado. 

Edker was most known for owning and operating Edker H. Wilson Rodeo, which was successful for 53 years.  Prior to his time in this line of work, he spent four years in the United States Army serving in Belgium during World War II.  His unit was the last to participate in combat, just before the war ended.  He learned how to be a Meat Cutter while in the service.  After leaving the Army, Edker moved back to the valley and worked as a Carpenter for five years, then as the Sanford Police Chief for eight years, in which he delighted that he only wrote one ticket the whole time he was the town cop.  He also assisted the Conejos County Sheriff’s Office when needed.

Edker loved his profession and enjoyed meeting many people throughout the years.  He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.  In his spare time, Edker loved the mountains and enjoyed hunting and fishing. 

He is survived by his children Nathan H. (Carol) Wilson of Monte Vista, CO and Robert Wade Wilson of Sanford; his grandchildren: Tyler Wade Wilson of Bloomfield, NM, Jodie Elizabeth (Michael) Wilson-Dretchen of Albuquerque, N.M., Natalie (Jesse) Valez of Pueblo, CO, Dane Michael Wilson of Long Beach, CA and Casey Lee Wilson of Poncha Springs, CO; his great-grandchildren Jacque and Kyle Frettem, Jessica, Autumn and Kylie; his great-great-grandchildren: Carter and Tavin Storm Grigg; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family and a host of good friends.

Edker is preceded in death by his parents; his wife Ruby Jewel Morton Wilson in 1997, his grandson David Andrew Wilson, seven brothers and three sisters.   

A Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday evening, July 19th at the Rogers Family Mortuary, 205 N. 3rd Street in Manassa, Colorado.  A second visitation will be held Friday, July 20, 2018 from 9:30-10:45 a.m. in the Relief Society Room at the Sanford Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, followed by the funeral services at 11:00 a.m.  Interment will follow services in the Sanford Cemetery with military honors.

Online condolences, tributes and remarks for Edker’s family may be left at www.RogersFunerals.com  Rogers Family Mortuary of Manassa is in care of the arrangements.