Kenneth Lee Wilson

Kenneth Lee Wilson, 84, of Clever, passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2020 at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, with his best friend and wife of 62 years, Mary, as well as their four children and their spouses by his side. He was born July 6, 1935 in Browns Spring, to Dolan and Cecil (Butler) Wilson. He attended school at both Browns Spring and Clever.
He married Mary Hale, Ozark, on March 30, 1958. This union was blessed with four children, Randy, Brenda, Debbie and Cindy. Wilson was a gifted and self-taught fiddler player, performing locally at venues, gatherings and church. The taping, at Silver Dollar City’s attraction, “Fire in the Hole” is Wilson’s fiddling. On Oct. 24, 1958 he won “Best Fid- dler Player” in Missouri.
He served his country proudly in the Marine Corp. from 1954-1957.
Wilson owned and operated the Clever DX Station, MFA Feed & Grocery Store, Clever Dairy Sweet, as well as, spreading lime and fertilizer to most of the local farmers.
Wilson is preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and one sister.
Wilson is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary, four children, 11 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren, as well as a host of nieces, nephews and countless friends.
Due to the current situation of limited social gath- erings and social distancing, the family had a private funeral, with only immediate family in attendance, on Thursday March 26, 2020 at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Meadors Funeral Home, Clever. The family asked friends to join them at a graveside service immediately following the funeral at noon, at Smart Cemetery, Clever. Military honors will be held for Wilson at the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation in Wilson’s memory to his church, Ozark Mountain United Pentecostal, 4619 Selmore Rd, Ozark, MO 65721.