Orville C. "Bud" Wilson

Although Orville “Bud” Wilson experienced so many of the best things that life has to offer, there was nothing better in his book than being surrounded by the family he adored. He was a loving husband and dedicated father, but it was easy to see that being a grandfather put a brilliant sparkle in his eye. Resourceful, hardworking, and independent, Bud was more than willing to use his time and talents to help those around him in ways both great and small. A man of faith, he lived a life of purpose that reflected what it means to be a servant of the Lord he loved. Bud leaves behind a timeless legacy that his loved ones will proudly carry on in his memory.

The 1930s were a dark time in American history as the Great Depression blanketed the nation throughout the entire decade. Jobs were scarce, which made the unemployment rate soar, and things only went from bad to worse after an unrelenting drought crippled our nation’s heartland for nearly two years. Despite the trials around them, a young couple from Bellaire, Michigan, was able to shift their focus to an exciting time in their lives with the birth of a healthy baby boy on July 5, 1937. Named Clayton Orville at birth, he arrived prematurely after his mother rode a ferris wheel. Once the doctor pointed out to his parents, Clayton Fred and Dorothy (Kaiser) Wilson, that their new son’s initials spelled “cow,” his name was quickly changed to Orville Clayton. Joined in the family by his older sister, Margaret, he was so small as a newborn that he slept in a drawer.

In many ways Orville experienced an upbringing that was reflective of the times. His father worked as a foreman at CWC while his mother was a secretary and homemaker. From Bellaire their family moved to Muskegon Heights, and they later moved to a home on Henry Street. Bud, as he was sometimes known, was a student at local schools including Muskegon Heights High School where he was manager of the swim team. The Wilsons valued their time together, frequently doing things like playing rummy and other various card games in addition to dancing the polka.

After graduating from high school in 1955, Bud was ready for all that life had in store. He graduated from Muskegon Business College with a degree in accounting and also served his country in the United States Navy.

Life was never for the same for Bud after meeting a certain young girl who stole his heart. Her name was Carol Mae Brott, and they were introduced by her brother, Fred, who also happened to be one of Orville’s good friends. Sparks flew right from the start, and the rest is history as they say. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together the sweethearts exchanged their vows on April 2, 1960. Together they welcomed three children into their hearts and home, Gloria, Ken, and Cheryl. They raised their children in the Muskegon area where Orville worked locally as an accountant. For more than 20 years he worked for Dresser Industries, and he later worked for Shape Corporation from 1985 until retiring in 2002.

Throughout Bud’s life his family was always first and foremost. As a father he was very loving and supportive, and he was an active part of his children’s lives, too. Family traditions were something Bud loved, and in their family there were many. Orville, Carol, and their children went to Carol’s twin brother Daryl’s house to celebrate their birthdays every New Year’s Day. August was the time for the Wilson family to camp for over 20 years. At first it was just Bud, Carol, and their kids, but as their children grew older and had families of their own this tradition grew to include grandchildren and even great-grandchildren as well. The highlight of the camping trip every year was the river trip when they went either canoeing or kayaking, which he loved. Orville also enjoyed cookouts, euchre tournaments as well as a good game of cribbage, and planning family reunions. In order to allow everyone to be there, Christmas with his wife and their children along with their families was always celebrated on the weekend before Christmas. For several years Bud loved having breakfast at Whitlows with his son and grandson. He was always there to support his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in their activities as he was their number one fan.

In addition to his family, Orville treasured his faith. He was a longtime member of Lake Harbor United Methodist Church where he served as a greeter, counter, and worship leader. Bud’s spirit of generosity reached to others within his community as well as he volunteered at MAP and served as a driver for the American Red Cross after retiring. Of course he was also more than willing to help out his grandchildren and great-grandchildren when he could.

As someone who liked keeping busy, Bud was a bustle of activity. He loved sewing, and he came to it quite by accident as Carol was never able to master the sewing machine. He set about making Barbie doll clothes when Gloria was five, and his talent later evolved to making pajamas for his children and dresses for his girls. Orville became quite skilled as he later made bridesmaid dresses for Gloria’s wedding. It was quite an accomplishment when he made Cheryl’s wedding dress! Most recently Bud was making doll cloths for his great-granddaughters. For several years Orville enjoyed bowling, playing cards, yard work, and the challenge of a good jigsaw puzzle. In addition to being a member of his church, he was a member of the local moose lodge as well the Heights/Fruitport Eagles. Bud was an animal lover who highly valued the companionship of his dogs, Scooter, Sammy, and Tigger, as well as his grand-pups and cats. It has been said that he was the best dog sitter, too.

Whether he was serving within his church family, dog sitting for a family member, or just offering a listening ear, Orville “Bud” Wilson lived life with others in mind. He was known for his independent spirit as well as his organized ways of doing things, but what people will remember most is his never-ending smile. Orville will never be forgotten.

Orville C. "Bud" Wilson died on Wednesday, September 24, 2014, at the Poppen House. Bud’s family includes his son, Kenneth (Jeanne) Wilson of AL; daughters, Gloria Johnson of Spring Lake, Cheryl (Brian) Schnotala of Sparta; grandchildren, Justin (Tiffany), Emily (Curt), Sara (Zulf), David, Brandon & Megan; great-grandsons, Isaiah, Bryson & Aydin; great-granddaughters, Alexis & Aubrey; sister, Margaret (Jim) Knill of Muskegon; several brothers and sisters-in-law; nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and special friends, Marie Kordecki and Brian & Traci Horacek. Orville was preceded in death by his wife, Carol and parents. Services will be held on Tuesday, September 30, 2014, 12:00 p.m. at Lake Harbor United Methodist Church with Rev. Mary Ivanov officiating. Interment at Sunrise Memorial Gardens. Visit with Orville’s family and friends on Monday, 5-8 p.m. at Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon and Tuesday, 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials can be made to Lake Harbor United Methodist Church, American Diabetes Association, American Cancer Society, or Harbor Hospice Poppen House. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.