Thomas Robert Wilson

Tom was a wonderful father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather. He was very loved by all. He was always available to listen to whatever anyone wanted to discuss with him. He had a great shoulder to lean on. He always had great advice and loved sharing his experiences. He truly lived a very full life, and felt that learning from your experiences was necessary to continue to grow as a person. Tom was very respected in the business community. He conducted business as the true gentleman that he was. His business deals were sealed with a handshake and his word. His word was worth everything. He saw the best in everyone and was always willing to give second chances. He was Supplier of the Year for the Grape and Tree Fruit League. He was a member of the American Slovonic Social Club. George M. Wilson and Royetta Marie Wilson, raised Tom and his sister Donnadeane Louise Wilson, in Fresno, California. Tom graduated from Fresno High School. He served his time in the Korean War in the Navy. He was stationed in San Diego working with the infectious disease unit. He used his GI Bill in Wyoming, and Fresno State. He received his Master's Degree in Finance from UCLA. He also enrolled in University of Phoenix when he was 80 to obtain his doctorate and Fresno Pacific University to study Christianity. He landed a job with Laurentide Financial after college, which took him to Canada. He eventually made his way back to Fresno, California in 1985. He met his soulmate, Rochelle Wilson. He had a business for awhile with his best friend, Harry Saeger. He then started working for Don Roessner at PPS Packaging Company. He later purchased the company when Don passed away. He ran PPS Packaging until 2021, when it closed permanently. He was a wonderful employer. Everyone loved him. Any employee could walk into his office at any time and sit down to talk with him. His door was always open. Tom has 5 daughters: Kim Tucker of Simi Valley, California; Jill Marie Wilson of Gibson, Canada; Linda Paterson of Las Vegas, Nevada; Joni Hill of Selma, California; and Lesa Shows of Kingsburg, California. Tom was also loved by eight grandchildren, and many great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Tom was happiest when he was with Rochelle, or golfing with friends and business associates, and with his son-in-law, Stan and grandson, Zachary. He was always up for family functions with gravy duty. His life truly ended when Rochelle passed away in 2017. He lived the last 5 years just waiting to be reunited with her. Tom lived his life on his own terms. We referred to him as the Eveready Bunny because he bragged about smoking like a chimney, running a bar out of his apartment, drank a lot with his buddies and was a free spirit. His nick name was Tommy Two Shoes because he loved to dance. He did everything that the experts say will shorten your life. He passed three months before his 90th birthday. Even his passing was on his terms. He will be greatly missed but we are comforted knowing that he and Rochelle are again dancing and are together. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Creighton Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Thomas Robert Wilson

December 1, 1932 - August 26, 2022