Mr. John Mckinley Wilson, 71

Stedman Mr. John McKinley Wilson, 71, of Stedman, passed away on Saturday, March 19, 2011 at his home. No funeral services will be held per Mr. Wilson's request. John was born on July 27, 1939 in Bakersville, NC and was raised in Baltimore, MD during WWII. He joined the Air Force in 1957, then joined the Army in 1962 and retired as a Chief Warrant Officer (CW3). He was a Special Forces Medic and later went to flight school to become a pilot, qualifying in both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. His awards and decorations include three awards of the Distinguished Flying Cross Medal (Heroism), three awards of the Bronze Star Medal, three awards of the Meritorious Service Medal, thirty-one awards of the Air Medal, three awards of the Army Commendation Medal, Army and Air Force Good Conduct Medals, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Viet Nam Campaign Medal, Viet Nam Service Medal, Combat Medical Badge (CMB), Senior Army Aviator Wings, Senior Army Jump Wings and Viet Nam Jump Wings. His parents Anna Lou Miller and Clarence Edgar Wilson preceded John in death. His wife Ellen C. Wilson, son Curtis L. Wilson, daughter Amanda P. Swan, granddaughter Amber L. Wilson, and brothers Charles E. Wilson of Tom's Brook, Virginia and Arthur T. Wilson of Spearfish, South Dakota survive John. Services entrusted to Butler Funeral Home in Stedman. Online condolences may be made at butlerfh.com ~NO SERVICES WILL BE HELD~