Alvin Wilson

Alvin Wilson of Fairgrove, age 90, passed away on Wednesday, April 7, 2021, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Alvin was born January 30, 1931, on the family homestead in Fairgrove, the son of the late Carson and Margaret (Caldwell) Wilson. He was a lifelong resident of Fairgrove and graduated with the class of 1949 from Fairgrove High School. Alvin continued to work on the family farm after graduation and on September 26, 1952, Alvin was united in marriage with his high school sweetheart, Beth Luther. They stayed on the farm for several years after their marriage until Alvin left the farm to work at Eaton Foundry in Vassar. He worked there for 30 years, moving from the grinding line to journeyman millwright. After retiring in 1985, his family often asked him how he had ever found time to work at the foundry because he kept so busy visiting shut-in friends, helping the neighbors with repairs and lawnmowing, maintaining the church building and tending his very large garden, whose produce he shared with the neighborhood. In addition to gardening, he enjoyed deer hunting and fishing. He landed fish in Michigan, Canada and Alaska but found the most enjoyment in fishing with his two girls during the family fishing vacations in the Upper Peninsula. He and Beth also enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and abroad. He said the most important thing in his life, though, was his family. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 68 years, Beth Wilson; two daughters, Marsha Smith and her husband, Galen, of Fairgrove, and Nancy Crosby of Midland; six grandchildren and spouses, Jim & Jasmine Crosby of Kansas, Mike & Jennifer (Crosby) Smith of Midland, Brandon Smith of Ohio, Roger & Megan (Smith) Mullet of Indiana, Jordan Smith of Fairgrove, and Katelyn Smith of Fairgrove; great-grandchildren Haylee, Michael, Stella, James, Aaron, and Josiah; and sister-in-law, Audrey Wilson. In addition to his parents, Alvin was preceded in death by three siblings, Marvin Wilson, Betty Zissler, and Gene Wilson. Funeral services will be held at the Fairgrove United Methodist Church on Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Jim Butler officiating. Burial will follow at Brookside Cemetery in Fairgrove. The family will be present to receive friends at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the Fairgrove United Methodist Church. Visitation Information Date: Saturday, April 17, 2021 Time: 10:00 am End Time: 11:00 am Fairgrove United Methodist Church Address: The family will be present to receive friends at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Service Information Date: Saturday, April 17, 2021 Time: 11:00 am Fairgrove United Methodist Church Address: Funeral services will be held at the Fairgrove United Methodist Church on Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Jim Butler officiating. Cemetery Information Date: Saturday, April 17, 2021 Brookside Cemetery Address: 1691 N. Hinson Rd. Fairgrove, MI 48733 Burial will follow at Brookside Cemetery in Fairgrove.