Loren "Duane" Wilson

Loren “Duane” Wilson, Jr. passed away suddenly Saturday, September 7th. He was surrounded by family.

Duane was born March 10th, 1937, in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Loren D. and Nancy Louise Wilson. Duane attended Wentworth Military Academy and graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1959 with a degree in history. Following college, Duane enlisted in the Army. From 1959-1962, Duane was a First Lieutenant, Regular Army in Gelnhausen, Germany, Airborne, Expert Infantryman Badge - 48th Infantry Sky Diving Team. In 1963, Duane was asked to join the CIA and declined the offer.

Duane met the love of his life, Mary Ann, in 1963 and they were married in 1964. Together they have two children, Loren D. “Ladd” Wilson and Lorrie Anne Tharp.

Duane had a long career in the corrugated box industry. He started his career as a Sales Trainee in Keokuk, Iowa with Horner Box and through several promotions and moves, including one to his beloved Nebraska, GO CORNHUSKERS, he retired from St. Joseph, Missouri as General Manager at Stone Container Corporation. With Duane’s work, he and Mary Ann moved to several states in the Midwest where they made many wonderful friends in Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska, and Springfield and St. Joseph, Missouri. Duane and Mary Ann retired to Sarasota, Florida for 10 years before moving to Oklahoma City to be near their children and grandchildren, who were his pride and joy.

Duane was always a people person and loved to be involved in and help with civic and business organizations. He was a member of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce; Member and President of the Industrial Round Table, Springfield, Missouri; Member of the Board of Directors, United Way, Fort Smith, Arkansas; Member of the Board of Directors, Fort Smith Boys and Girls Club, Fort Smith, Arkansas; Member and President of the Board of Directors, Hardscrabble Country Club; 1993 Commencement Speaker at Wentworth Academy; and part of many other worthwhile organizations.

Duane is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Ann; his son Loren D. “Ladd” Wilson and wife Melissa; daughter Lorrie Anne Tharp and husband William; grandchildren Zane and Adam Karim, Conner (Claire), Camden (Caitlin), and Christian Tharp, Mackenzie and Mason Kelley; and his brother Philip M. Wilson and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Christ the King Catholic School Scholarship Fund, 1905 Elmhurst Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73120.