Wilson’s Garden Center Family Icon Harry Wilson Passes Away
November 14, 2025 
The family at Wilson’s Garden Center in Newark, OH, has announced the passing of Harry Wilson. For more than 40 years, Harry dedicated himself to managing the production operations within the Wilson’s greenhouse, where he combined his remarkable work ethic with a deep-seated pride in growing lush, thriving plants. His infectious humor and warm smile brightened the days of everyone around him, making the workplace feel more like a family.
Harry was always eager to recount stories from his distinguished military career, seamlessly blending tales of camaraderie and adventure from his youth with the everyday joys of life. His enthusiasm for collecting model airplanes showcased his love for aviation. Known fondly among his colleagues as the “donut bringer,” Harry never failed to uplift spirits with fresh treats that he would share generously.
Each holiday season, he honored a beloved tradition of presenting every employee with beautifully wrapped boxes of chocolates, spreading joy and gratitude throughout the workplace. Moreover, Harry’s fascination with genealogy often led him to engage in captivating conversations about his family history, illuminating his roots and the rich tapestry of experiences that shaped his life.
Harry’s complete obituary is below (a funeral was held earlier this week).
Harry Leon Wilson, 88, of Frazeysburg passed away on November 5, 2025 at Genesis Healthcare in Zanesville. He was born on May 12, 1937 in Newark, OH, to the late Carl E. and Helen V. (Heim) Wilson.
Mr. Wilson was a member of Newark High School Class of 1955. Shortly after graduation he enlisted in the Air Force where he served for more than 23 years retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant in 1978. At the time of his retirement, he was an Intelligence Operations Superintendent at Headquarters Strategic Air Command (SAC) at Offutt AFB, NE. He spent his entire Air Force career in Intelligence, serving in overseas stations for 15 years. He had served in a number of key noncommissioned officer positions including Chief Intelligence Analyst of Soviet Air Operations in the Warsaw Pact for U.S. Air Forces in Europe while based in Germany, and as an Intelligence Superintendent in support of B-52 aerial bombardment operations in Southeast Asia for the Strategic Air Command in Thailand during the Vietnam War. Among his many military awards are two Meritorious Service Medals, three Air Force Commendation Medals, the Vietnam Service Medal with bronze service star, and the National Defense Service Medal. He was a life member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
After his Air Force career, he returned to Newark to become a partner in the family-owned business, Wilson’s Garden Center, where he has served in the management of greenhouse plant production for more than 40 years.
Mr Wilson was very active in the Masonic Fraternity for the past 30 years. He is a Past District Deputy Grand Master of the 19th Masonic District and a three-year Past Master of New Home Lodge No. 338 in Hanover. He is a member of York Rite Masonry having served as High Priest of Warren Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, Illustrious Master of Bigelow Council of Royal and Select Masons, as well as a Knight Templar in St Luke’s Commandery in Newark. Additionally, he is a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason in the Valley of Columbus. He has also served as Sovereign Master of Central Ohio Chapter of the Allied Masonic Degrees. Other Masonic affiliations include the Aladdin Shrine where he served as Past President of the Licking County Shrine Club. He is also a member of the Teheran Grotto in Newark. Mr Wilson is a Colonel of Distinction in the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels.
Harry was a devoted husband and father. Surviving are his loving wife Evelyn, daughter Carol (Brian) Mercer of Alexandria, step-son Matthew (Shawna) Douglas of Fallsburg, step-daughters Kathleen (James) Serenko of Dallas, GA, and Sherry Kohn of Sarnia, Ontario, eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, one brother Ned (Mitzie) Wilson of Newark, one daughter-in-law Cherry duBose of Appling, GA. Preceding him in death in addition to his parents are his daughter, Sarah Meyer, brother John Wilson, sisters, Lynn Wilson-Slonaker and Virginia Clark and stepson Gary Bogumill of Appling, GA.
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