Duane "Pug" Wilson

Duane Earl “Pug” Wilson, age 82, of Greenleaf, KS died Monday, May 27, 2013. A graveside service was held at 2:30, Sunday, June 2, at the Greenleaf City Cemetery. Fr. John Wolesky officiated. Pug was born January 20, 1931 to Earl and Ruth Wilson. He had one older brother, Paul Dean, who gave his life in his country’s service on October 25, 1944. After growing up around Greenleaf, Kansas, Pug enlisted in the U.S. Army on May 31, 1949 and served until his honorable discharge on February 7, 1956. On August 6, 1949, he married Ruth Lillibridge. She preceded him in death on October 17, 1997. They had 4 children: Rick, Dean, Deb, and Kaye, as well as 3 children lost in infancy. After his years in the service, he returned to Greenleaf and operated Wilson’s Garage for nearly 40 years, where the doors were always open for visiting over coffee breaks and happy hour. During this time, he was highly involved in his community as a volunteer fireman, baseball coach, City Marshall, City Councilman, and Boy Scout leader. He was deeply committed to the American Legion, serving many positions, most recently as chaplain. For 32 years, he kept the kids of Washington County in line as bus driver for the School District #222. Later in life, he worked for John Deere and spent time repairing lawn mowers and tinkering. He enjoyed life and never met a stranger. He loved socializing with friends (usually over a red beer), spending time with family (especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren), camping, fishing, playing in pool tournaments, and farming. He also spent many years participating in the demolition derby at the County Fair. He married his second wife, Marcellene Wurtz, on June 9, 2001, and lived in Greenleaf. He is also survived by his four children, Richard Duane Wilson (Velinda), of Washington, Paul Dean Wilson (Linda) of Hollister, CA, Debra Ann Zabokrtsky (Keith) of Washington, and Kaye Lynn Johnson (Huey) of Platte City, MO; five step-children Gregory Wurtz, Dean Wurtz, Linda Wolf, Bruce Wurtz, Dennis Wurtz; six grandchildren, Brinda Swanson, Sarah and Kyle Zabokrtsky, Pam Mitchell and Haley and Kendall Johnson, three great grandchildren, Josh and Jordyn Swanson and Jaxon Zabokrtsky; and fourteen step-grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his parents; wife, Ruth; brother, Paul; and step-child, Beverly Wunder. A memorial fund has been established to the Greenleaf American Legion. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Duane "Pug" Wilson, please visit our flower store.