Hundreds Turn Out For Veteran’s Funeral

waynewilson-2
waynewilson-2

Hundreds of people turned out Wednesday for the funeral service of a Niles veteran who passed away with no family. Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services put out a public call for people to attend the funeral of Wayne Wilson at Silverbrook Cemetery, and word must have really gotten around. The cemetery was packed with people who wanted to pay their respects. Morgan Friend knew Wayne Wilson and spoke with WSBT about him.

“He was very kind and gentle and loved people.”

Wilson served six years in the Army, and served in Vietnam. He passed away at the age of 67 on May 29. Fellow veteran Jon Tengelitsch told WSBT he had to attend.

“It’s just like if my own brother had died. He’s family. We all signed that blank check. You gotta be there.”

Friends remember Wilson as the first one who would always show up to Silverbrook Cemetery for the Memorial Day parade each year. Wilson was laid to rest with Full Military Honors from the U.S. Army and the American Legion Post.