Ernest Wade Wilson was born on July 19, 1931 in Faith, SD to Vivian (Seaver) and W.H. "Bub" Wilson. He passed from this life on Tuesday, October 27, 2020 after a brief battle with cancer.
Ernest grew up on the family ranch south of Bison, where he attended rural schools in the area. After graduating, he attended Ag School in Brookings. In 1952, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving during the Korean War. Ernest was honorably discharged in 1954. In 1955, he married the love of his life, Beatrice Gunderson, and to this union was born three beloved children, Colleen May, Wade Alan, and Carol Jayne. The family moved to Belle Fourche, where Ernest worked for several years as a mechanic for H&B Tractor until 1964, when they decided to move back to the ranch. He engaged in ranching with his parents until 1989 when, due to health reasons, Ernest had to quit ranching. After leaving the ranch, he and Bea decided to settle and make their home in Sturgis.
Ernest was involved in driving the senior bus, making many trips to Hot Springs for veterans. He was a dedicated part of the Sturgis Veterans Honor Guard, and never missed a funeral to honor his fellow veterans.
Grateful for having shared in his life is his wife of 65 years, Bea Wilson; his children, Colleen McKinstry, Wade Wilson, and Carol (James) Charles; a sister, Lois Allart; 11 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ernest was preceded in death by his parents, W.H. "Bub" and Vivian Wilson; and his brothers, Vern, Gene, Leonard, and baby Donald.
Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 1, 2020 at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis.
Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, November 2, also at Kinkade Funeral Chapel, with Pastor Tom Martin officiating. Committal services will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ernest's memory to the Sturgis Veterans Honor Guard.

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