Final Salute

Thomas Manhardt Wilson, 85, of Haines City, Florida, passed away peacefully at home with family on September 20, 2022. Tom was born in Marion, Indiana, on April 27, 1937, to Thomas Gans Wilson and Sarah Virginia (Manhardt) Wilson.

Tom graduated from Stanford University with a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering in 1959 and a master’s degree in 1964. In 1960, he graduated from Naval Officer Candidate School. After three years active duty, he joined the Reserves and served a total of 33 years in the Naval Construction Battalions, better known as the Seabees. He will forever be remembered as Captain Thomas M. Wilson, USNR, Retired.

On August 24, 1968, Tom married June L. (Dover) Wilson, and their two families combined to make him the father of five girls. That same year, he started his career at the Vista (California) Irrigation District, where he worked for 26 years, retiring in 1994 as General Manager and Chief Engineer. From there, the couple moved to Florida and became the youngest couple in their retirement community, with June barely qualifying for the 55 year age minimum.

Tom inherited his spiritual disposition from his parents: his faith was expressed through quiet service to others and an abiding generosity offered with no strings attached. He graced the pews of First Presbyterian Church in Lake Alfred, Florida, throughout his retirement and served as an usher and bookkeeper. He also spent his 28-year retirement helping others achieve the goal of owning a home by volunteering at the East Polk County Habitat for Humanity, where he built homes until he could no longer safely climb a ladder; and then acted as chapter treasurer until this year. He was active in the Kiwanis Club and the American Legion in both California and Florida.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents and his big sister, Judge Jo Ann Wilson Dennett, also of Haines City. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, June; his daughters Yvonne Lorraine Dover (Albert Borgo), Jenifer Wilson Huebner (Richard Huebner), Elizabeth Wilson Harkins (Paul Harkins), Darcy Ann Durio (Michael Durio), and Louise Marie Dover; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He will be interred at the Florida National Cemetery at Bushnell in a private ceremony.

Tom had a magnetic personality and incredible charm. He was curious, knowledgeable, and lead by example. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.

Donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity of Polk County, Florida.

Posted online on October 27, 2022