Frankie Wilson

Frankie Carl Wilson of Artesia, NM, age 73, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 2, while in Covenant Hospital in Lubbock. He was born Dec. 14, 1946, in Kermit , TX. His parents were Calvin Frank Wilson and Oleta Pearce Wilson of Wink, TX. Frankie grew up in Wink, attended school and graduated in May, 1965. After graduation he worked in the oil fields until being drafted into the U.S. Army in March 1966. Early in his Army career he was selected to attend Warrant Officer School and became a helicopter pilot, and later a fixed wing pilot. He served two tours in Vietnam, was assigned to posts in Germany, Alaska, Virginia, Texas, Honduras, and retired after 27 years of honorable service.

Frankie married Syluvia (Faye) Spoon on April 7, 1971, in Ada, OK. After his Army retirement in 1993 he and Faye moved to Artesia, NM, where he worked with his cousin, Hoppy Pearce, at Flow Products. He then started his toughest job: playing golf at Artesia Country Club. Over the years he made two hole-in-ones, played in many tournaments, and acquired a large collection of golf balls. He thought all Christmas gifts should be Dallas Cowboy items. He will be missed at the local dance hall in Carlsbad.

His wife, Faye, passed away March 20, 2009. He is survived by two sisters, Wanda Bond of Del Rio, TX, and Sandra Wilson (U S Marine) of Big Spring, TX; three brothers, Jerry and wife Mary of San Angelo, TX, Royce and wife Shelly of Marble Falls, TX, and Donald Glynn of Granite Shoals, TX. He is also survived by 1 nephew, 3 nieces, 4 great-nephews, 2 great-nieces, 2 great-great-nephews, and 1 great-great-niece.

There will be a memorial service at 2:00 PM on Saturday, Feb. 8, at Terpening & Son Mortuary Chapel, 611 W Grand Ave in Artesia. Rev. Michael Elliott will lead the services. Terpening & Son Mortuary of Artesia is in charge of arrangements.