Ira Wilson

Ira Wilson

Ira Wilson, 83, of Iola, Kan., died Sunday morning, June 22, 2014 at the Allen County Hospital in Iola, Kan. He was born March 4, 1931 in Hepler, Kan., the son of Everett and Effie (Runner) Wilson. He married Arleen Geiger Sept. 8, 1957 in Kansas City, Kan., and she survives of the home.

Ira served in the U.S. Navy from 1948 until 1957. He was employed at Bruce Marble and Granite Works from 1968 until his retirement. He raised his children in the old schoolhouse at Porterville, Kan., that he and Arleen renovated, and then moved to Iola in 2009 to be closer to town and family.

He enjoyed attending children's and grandchildren's activities and family get-togethers. Ira adopted his dog Pepper from the Allen County Animal Rescue Foundation.

In addition to his wife Arleen, Ira is survived by his children, Connie Lockwood and husband Carey of Fort Scott, Kan., Debora Phillips and husband Keith of Shawnee, Kan., Karen McKarnin and husband Robert of Iola, Kan.; a sister, Edna Krog of Girard, Kan.; six grandchildren, Kimberly Pierce and husband Lee, Timothy Lockwood, Cody Phillips, Emily McKarnin, Casey McKarnin, and Brandon McKarnin; three great-grandchildren, Rayce and Conner Pierce, and Parker Kaifes, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Riley and William Wilson.

Rev. Marty DeWitt will conduct graveside services 10 a.m. Thursday, June 26, 2014 at the Rosedale Cemetery, Walnut, Kan., under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Allen County Animal Rescue Foundation (ACARF) in LaHarpe, Kansas 305 US Hwy 54 E, 66751 and may also be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Condolences may be emailed to expressions@konantz-cheney.com.