Lance Wilson, age 71, of Wellston, passed away Thursday, March 30, 2017 at Edgewood Manor of Wellston. He was born July 5, 1945 in Portsmouth, Ohio to the late James William Wilson and Florence Ruth Howard Wilson.
Lance was a 1963 graduate of Hamilton Township High School and a 1970 graduate of Rio Grande College, where he received his Bachelor’s degree. Lance, an educator, was formerly employed by Hamilton Township High School. While there, he taught science and biology and coached tennis. Lance was a former employee of the Vinton County Engineer’s office, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and also the mining industry, where he was instrumental in the implementation of the reclamation of strip mining land.
In 2010 Lance retired as the Executive Director of the Gallia-Jackson-Meigs-Vinton Solid Waste Management District. He was a member of the Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Wellston and a former board member of the Wellston Rotary Club, the Wellston Sylvester Memorial Public Library, the Jackson County Health Department and was also a member of the Elks Club in Jackson. Lance enjoyed camping and fishing with his family and friends in Canada, camping at Lake Jackson, reading books from the Wellston Sylvester Memorial Public Library, and walking his dog, KD, at Lake Alma State Park.
He is survived by his companion, Bess Caldwell of Wellston; children, Bronwyn Ginty (Mark) of Columbus, Margaret Dallimore (Gerry) of Marietta, Marion Elizabeth Wilson of Cleveland and Lance Black “LB” Wilson (Brooke) of Lewis Center; grandchildren, Spencer Ginty, Maeve Ginty and Rhys Wilson; and sister, Leslie Peck of Florida.
Besides his parents, Lance was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Kenny Peck. Lance will be greatly missed by his family, friends and his little dog, KD.
In keeping with Lance’s wishes, there will be no public services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be given to the Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School, 227 South New York Ave., Wellston, Ohio 45692 or the Wellston Sylvester Memorial Public Library, 135 East Second St., Wellston, Ohio 45692. Arrangements are under the direction of the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com