Robert Wilson

PEORIA – Robert I. Wilson, 97, of Peoria, passed way Thursday, November 17, 2022, at his home.

He was born on December 28, 1924, in Sacramento, Calif., to Claude and Elsie Wilson. He married Sharon Baumann.

Surviving are his wife, Sharon Wilson of Peoria; nieces and nephews, Jeff and David Strickler, Joseph and Michael Morici, Steve Baumann and Andrea Baumann, Leslie Neville; two sisters-in-law, Deborah Morici and Patricia Strickler; and one brother-in-law, Michael (Rebecca) Baumann.

Robert was a United States Air Force veteran. He was a Navigator Bombardier Radar Specialist. He evaded capture for six months after his plane was shot down during WWII.

He loved to fish, hike, camp and bike.

Robert had a love for archaeology as well and enjoyed taking trips through the Texas A&M Archaeology Program.

He was a University of Illinois graduate in mechanical engineering.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, November 21, 2022, at Lutheran Hillside Village in Peoria, with Pastor Pat Monroe officiating. Visitation will be from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Monday, prior to the service at Lutheran Hillside Village. Burial will be at 9 a.m. Wednesday, November 23, 2022, at Springdale Cemetery in Peoria.

Memorials may be made to the American Red Cross.

Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton is handling arrangements.

To leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.knappjohnson.com.