Covington- Walter R. Wilson, age 93 of Covington, Indiana, passed away peacefully at Franciscan Hospital in Lafayette on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. He was born in rural Benton County on January 5, 1931 to Clifford and Bessie (Buck) Wilson. He graduated from Ambia High School in 1948 and attended Purdue University for one year. On May 27, 1950, he married the love of his life, Barbara Jean Kochell of Boswell, Indiana.
Walt was a successful farmer for more than 4 decades before serving Fountain County as Highway Supervisor for several years. Later, he served several years as a Fountain County Commissioner. He continued to work part-time with EBridge in Bedford selling bridges and road culverts until his death last week.
In addition to his lengthy career as a farmer, county highway supervisor, commissioner, and consultant, Walt served as Fountain County Republican County Chairman for 8 years. and delegate to several state conventions. During those years, he met four US Presidents.
Walt and his wife Barb were faithful followers of Jesus Christ and members of the Sterling Christian Church.
He is survived by his son, Mark and his wife Justine of Buffalo, Wyoming, Grandson Alan Joseph Wilson and his wife Victoria of Ellettsville, Indiana, along with his great grandson, Arthur Norris Wilson. He is also survived by two more great grandsons, Edan and Judah Wilson of Evansville, Indiana and a stepdaughter Ariel Williams of Chicago, Illinois. Also surviving are sisters-in-law Judy (Don) Payton of Veedersburg, Indiana, Marilyn (James) Kochell of Kingman, Indiana, Nancy (Dale) Kochell of Pine Village, Indiana, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 70 years, grandson Kyle Andrew Wilson of Evansville, both parents, 6 brothers and sisters, and 8 brothers/sisters-in-law.
A celebration of life and memorial service will take place in July or this year with the assistance of the Sunset Funeral Home and the Sterling Christian Church.