Jeffrey Wilson, age 71 of rural Dola, died on June 4, 2024 at OSU The James Cancer hospital in Columbus, Ohio.
Jeff was born April 27,1953 in Kenton, OH to Donald Wilson and Mildred (Steiner)Wilson, and spent his childhood years on the Wilson family dairy farm. He worked with cows and other livestock, helped with crops, and stacked countless bales of hay. After graduating from Hardin Northern High School, Class of ‘71, Jeff completed his bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education at OSU.
He worked his entire teaching career (1975-2008) with the Arlington Local Schools, where he taught Ag Education, General Science and Vet Science. He was passionate about helping all students find their own personal skills and talents and was an example of positivity and great work ethic for his students. He loved his job, greatly enjoyed seeing his students every day, and encouraged his students through many projects, academic studies, and personal challenges.
Jeff was known to help students and his community with tractor restorations, engine repairs, and often jumped in to lend a hand with chores at his students’ family homes. FFA activities and Arlington Young Farmers events were additional highlights of his work at Arlington School, and he cherished the many friends he made along the way. Jeff also worked 33 years at the Hancock County Fair, assisting with chores, judging and other tasks as needed.
Jeff continued to work and improve the family farms in Cessna and Washington Township throughout his adult life, always keeping his eye on the weather forecast, farm sales, and the grain markets! He was a lifetime member of the Walnut Grove Methodist church.
In 1982, Jeff married Lori G. Wilson, and they began repairs and restoration of his grandparent’s homestead house. Jeff tackled much of the work himself and was always working on a DIY house project or tinkering in his shop. Family life was his greatest joy, and he spent countless hours at his kids’ sporting and school events, Hardin County fair shows, and helping with his wife’s musicals. Upon his retirement he switched his focus to chauffeuring his mother Mildred to appointments and lunches. Those years were very special to him.
Jeff is survived by his spouse Lori G. Wilson, his children Allison Wilson (Ryan Lorms) and Brian (Gracie) Wilson, and a granddaughter Everly Lou Wilson.
Jeff was preceded in death by his younger brother Ted Wilson. He had two sisters, Nancy Musselman and Beverly Bahr, and a sister-in-law Dawn Curlis-Wilson. He had three brothers-in-law, Mark (Theresa) Gamble, Kevin (Yvonne) Gamble, Jeff (Kathy) Gamble, and his mother-in-law Patricia Gamble.
The family will hold a private graveside service at the Dola Cemetery at a later date.
A Celebration of Life will be held on July 20, 2024 from 1-4 pm at the CHP Ada Visiting Nurses Community Room. 1200 S. Main St., Ada, OH. Visitors are asked to wear their favorite OSU Buckeye gear or FFA jacket/shirt, and to bring stories and remembrances of their time with Mr. Wilson. Feel free to bring any snapshots or photos that you have of your time with Jeff…he of course was always focused on others and took pictures of his students and his family, rarely himself.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jeff’s honor may be made to the Arlington FFA, Arlington Local High School, 336 South Main St., Arlington OH 45814.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.pricefh.net/
