George Lavern Wilson

George Lavern Wilson, 72 of Dover passed away on January 13, 2014 at the Community Hospice House in New Philadelphia with his wife and family by his side.

George was born in New Philadelphia on February 15, 1941 and was the eldest son of Woodrow and Wanda K. (Stewart) Wilson, who both precede him in death. He is also preceded in death by his brother; John P. "Jack" Wilson; and cousin, Tom Cox.

George graduated from Dover High School with class of 1960. He joined the United States Marine Corps and served our country from 1963-1967. He earned the rank of Sgt. E5 and was a Vietnam Vet that was very proud to serve his country.

On May 29, 1968 in Hagerstown, Maryland, he married the love of his life; Barbara Ann Wallace formerly of Mineral City. George worked at Pepsi Cola Bottling Company where he started loading trucks in 1956 and later became a salesman for the company. He retired in 1999. He was a proud member of the Teamsters Union. He loved his hometown and served as a Ward One Councilmen at Dover for over 13 years. Still not ready to retire, he worked part time at Sherwin Williams in New Philadelphia. George knew everyone. His friends, family, and work were the reasons that he enjoyed life so much.

George was a member of the First Moravian Church in Dover, where he served on the Board of Trustees for one term. He was also a member of the Dover VFW, and a lifetime member of the Dover Elk Club #975, and on April 1, 2008 transferred to a lifetime member of the New Philadelphia Elks #510. He was also a past member of the Dover Moose, and the Dover Tornado Club, where he served as the secretary for eight years.

George will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by his wife, and soul mate; Barb; son, George (wife, Jen Smith) Wilson of Dover; daughter, Jen (husband, Steve) Brown of Dover; grandchildren; Zachary and Nathan Wilson, and Allison and Ashley Brown all of Dover; sister, Kathy Mitchell of Dover; three special nieces, Michele Anderson of New Philadelphia, Melissa Rister of IL, and Judy Wallace of WY; brother in-law, Gil Wallace of CO; cousins, Gary Kinsey, Karen (Kinsey) Miller, Johnny Stewart, Linda (Cox) Povic, and Vickie (Cox) Beara.

A celebration of George's life will be held at the First Moravian Church in Dover on Friday, January 17, 2014 at 11:00 am with Pastor John Wallace officiating. Interment will take place at Dover Burial Park where the Dover VFW will conduct military honors. Following the service of committal, a meal will be served in the church social hall. Friends are invited to call at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory in Dover on Thursday, January 16, 2014 from 5-8 pm, or one hour prior to the service on Friday at the church. Those unable to attend, or who would like to sign and online guestbook may do so by visiting the "Obituaries & Flowers" link on the funeral home's website.

Memorial contributions can be made to the First Moravian Church, 319 N. Walnut St, Dover, Ohio 44622, or Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Ave, SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.