God welcomed home his faithful servant Francis L. “Crazy Larry” Wilson, Sr. on April 14, 2023.
Larry was born to the late Dorothy M. Dittsworth and the late Francis Wilson on September 3, 1945. He graduated from Altoona High School in 1964. Larry served his country in the US Navy serving on the USS Randolph.
Larry came to Butler from Altoona in 1972 to open the Dunkin Donuts. He then spent numerous years working for Shockey Excavating and ended his life’s work as a bus driver for the Butler Children’s Center where all the children loved their “Mr. Larry” as he loved them. As his health failed, he spent many hours helping those who needed help and loved being with people.
He is survived by many who cherished his love including his wife of 57 years, Mary Carol, whom he married on his 21st birthday, September 3, 1966; his two sons, Francis “Frank” L., Jr. (Kendra), and Kenny B. (Terri), his loving niece, Gloria “Dee” Houck, and her two sons, D.J. and Tyler; three sisters Gloria D. Richards, Debra (Rob) Greene, and Dolly Cheverria; sister-in-law, Kathy Jo Garland; two brothers, Ronald, and David (Sharon) Dittsworth. He was dearly loved by his grandchildren, Leah Marie, Jessica, Samantha, Keilynn, and Allyshia, and their children, Kyra, Jocelyn, Jaydin, Colton, Spencer, and Talon; many nieces and nephews. He had a very special loving relationship with his oldest great-grandson, Kendal Wilson Kerr.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his in-laws, Herman and Verna Bumgarner; his two brothers, Leon Edward Wilson and Donald Dittsworth.
Larry was a devout Christian whose first thing every morning was spent with his precious Lord and had been very active for many years at the Mt. Chestnut Presbyterian Church. He was a member of the American Legion Post #0852 Harrisville. Larry served as Franklin Township Supervisor for six years as well as Burning Ordinance Officer. He loved doing woodwork and taking care of his yard having built three gardens and two beautiful ponds for his wife. He will be missed by many special and supportive friends.
Per Larry’s request, there will be no viewing.
A private celebration of life will be held at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements were entrusted to Thompson-Miller Funeral Home, Inc., 124 East North Street, Butler, PA 16001.