Ronald R. Wilson passed away on November 4, 2018. Ron was the middle child of 5 born to Joseph and Vera Wilson August 9, 1920 in Bemidji, Minnesota. He was a long time member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Alamosa. Ron joined the US Army in 1940 and served primarily in the S. Pacific Theater through WWII.  After the war he owned and operated a logging truck, but decided to rejoin the military in 1946. He married the love of his life Verna on April 12, 1946.  Ron attained the highest rank possible for a US Air Force Chief Warrant Officer winning numerous awards for his management skills, including the 1959 Hennessy Trophy for best food service in the entire Air Force. Ron was proud to have served in the Strategic Air Command and in the Vietnam War where he was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries sustained during an attack.  Ron and Verna traveled the world during his military career.

After retiring from the Air Force Ron and Verna purchased a property in the San Luis Valley. Then he began his second career as a rancher on the Big Thunder Ranch.  Ron enjoyed the outdoors; hunting, fishing, and golf for most of his active life. He was skilled at woodworking and constructed the main buildings at the Big Thunder Ranch. First and foremost he loved serving the Lord. He was very active in his Church as well as with Hospice. Ron enjoyed visiting and speaking in other churches, and took special joy visiting the children at Trinity Lutheran Church School. Ron enjoyed his luncheon meetings at Cavillos Restaurant with his pastors, and was always ready to reach out to anyone in the community who was hurting. He never knew a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone. Everyone was important to him. His example of love and faith in the community will be missed. Ron was known as a sharp dresser and almost never went to town without donning his favorite western hat and cowboy boots.

Ron is survived by his two daughters; Renee Garcia of Tampa, Florida and Michelle Hannan of Big Thunder Ranch.  His wife Verna and son Ronald A. Wilson predeceased him. Ron and Verna were blessed with 3 children, 7 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, November 10 at 2:00 pm at Trinity Lutheran Church in Alamosa followed by a reception in the church social hall. In lieu of flowers, Ron would have wanted donations to go to the Trinity Lutheran Church School.

Rogers Family Mortuary of Alamosa is in care of the arrangements.  To leave online condolences, tributes or remarks for Ron’s family, please visit www.RogerFunerals.com.