Robert "Bob" Wilson

Robert “Bob” John Wilson, 86, passed away on Thursday, July 16, 2026. He was born on November 15, 1939, to Thomas and Julia (O’Callaghan) Wilson of Columbus, Ohio. Bob proudly served for 3 years in the U.S. Army, including a tour in Germany, where he learned the printing process. He was a devout Christian and a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, attending the Mount Vernon Academy for his junior and senior high school years. He later attended Columbus Community College and obtained an Associate degree in Business Management while working full-time, making the dean’s list each quarter and teaching many of the classes he had just mastered.

Bob was an entrepreneur, including co-owning a printing company – Excel Litho, and spent over 40 years working in Typographic Arts. Bob was also very civic-minded and provided significant service to his community as a Mason (Scottish Rite) and Aladdin Shriner (Columbus lodge). Over the 30-plus years he spent as a Shriner, he served in many leadership positions, including Commander for the Great Lakes Shrine Association, where he enjoyed traveling with his wife to meet members from lodges throughout the region. As a Shriner and Jester, he most loved participating in the many Shriner events, such as marching in parades in the Color Guard, working at the annual Shriner circus, and visiting Shriner children’s hospitals. He was recognized many times for his dedication and contributions to his lodge.

Upon retiring, he enjoyed riding his Harley motorcycle, participating multiple years in the Rolling Thunder ride to visit DC monuments honoring the service members who sacrificed all for our country. He also enjoyed RV’ing, spending the cold Ohio months in warmer locations, boating, traveling, and cherished time spent with family and friends.

Bob is survived by his children, Randy (Kelly) Wilson, Doug (Caven) Wilson, and Vicki (Bob) Lloyd; grandchildren, Ashley (Jason) Tharp, Shane Tayner, Zakkery and Sammy Wilson; great-grandchildren, Cash and Cane Tharp, and Olivia Tayner. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Julia; his beloved wife, Judith “Judy” Mae; brothers, Tommy and Donny Wilson, and brother-in-law, Bill Purcell.

Bob will be remembered for his faith, dedication, wry sense of humor, kindness, and love for his family. He was a hero to many and will be greatly missed.

Caring Cremation® has taken place through Frank E. Smith Funeral Home.

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