George Lewis Wilson

George Lewis Wilson, 80, son of Herman Austin Wilson and Irene Beatrice Harper Wilson, was born Oct. 14, 1941, in Springfield. He departed this life on Feb. 19, 2022, in Springfield.

On Dec. 17, 1960, he was united in marriage to Marilyn Sue Hagerman. The two shared 61 years together and were blessed with two daughters and one son.

Wilson was preceded in death by his parents; mother-in-law Maude Lafon; brothers-in-law Tom Hagerman, Danny Misemer, Don Hagerman, Bob Hagerman; and son-in-law, Kenny Moulder.

He is survived by his wife Sue Wilson, of the home; daughter, Tami Moulder of Linn Creek; son Eric Wilson and wife Kelli, of Crane; daughter, Tara Ray of Springfield; eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; sister Gretchen Misemer; and a number of other family and friends.

Wilson was raised in Ash Grove, and attended Ash Grove schools, graduating in 1959. He attended Southwest Baptist College in Bolivar for two years, graduating with an associate’s degree in 1961; he then graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Drury University in Springfield, in 1963. He went on to earn a master’s degree from Pittsburgh State University in 1968.

He taught and coached at Fair Play from 1963-1967; Osceola from 1967-1968; Carrollton from 1968-1970; Walnut Grove from 1970-1976; Camdenton from 1976-1980; Mt. Vernon from 1981-1984; and Willard from 1984-1995.

Wilson retired from high school teaching and coaching after 31 years of service, later returning to teaching and coaching at College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Missouri, from 1997-2013.

Wilson was a lifelong member of the Baptist Church.

Wilson loved teaching history, economics, physical education, driver’s education, and geography. Of his many awards and accolades, he was most proud of being named Teacher of the Year at Willard High School and of receiving the Professional Achievement Award at College of the Ozarks in 2008. Wilson taught and coached basketball for 47 years.

In a long list of awards and recognitions, highlights include his induction into the Willard Hall of Fame, the College of the Ozarks Hall of Fame, and the NAIA Hall of Fame. In addition, he was a three-time recipient of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. His overall win-loss record is an impressive 1,006 wins and 384 losses.   

Wilson and his friend Robert Vestal spent a decade working together to write the history of Missouri basketball in two published volumes entitled From the Beginning: The History of Missouri State Basketball Championships.

A celebration of life will be at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, March 6, 2022, at the College of the Ozarks gym. This event is open to the public. In lieu of flowers, donations go to the C of O Women's Basketball program: C of O, ATTN: Women's Basketball, PO Box 17, Point Lookout, MO 65726. Local arrangements by Birch Funeral Home. (A register book is available at the funeral home for Wilson).