Walter D. Wilson Sr., 90, of Lincroft, passed away Dec. 22, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Walt was born the youngest of seven to Lillian and Austin Wilson in Applegarth. He was a longtime resident of Fair Haven before moving to his farm in Freehold Township.
Walt proudly served in the United States Army, 10th Mountain Division, during the Korean War. He was a Free Mason.
Walt was an accomplished woodworker and built many custom homes in Monmouth County.
At the age of 17, he started raising honeybees. His love of beekeeping grew from a hobby into a family business for over 70 years. He was a founding member of the Central New Jersey Beekeepers Association. Walt served as a New Jersey State Bee Inspector for 20 years, retiring in 1993.
Walt was passionate about nature. His hobbies included hunting and fishing. He enjoyed spending time at his cabin in upstate New York. Family and friends were all lucky to have heard a million stories and jokes about his adventures.
Walt was predeceased by his wife of over 60 years, Eva N. Wilson née Smith. He left behind cherished memories in the hearts of his three children, Donna Davison (Lewis Davison), Sharon Crane, and Walter Wilson Jr. (Tracey Wilson); his five grandchildren, Kellie, Chris, Walter, Travis and Austin; and his six great-grandchildren, Madeline, Matthew, Ryan, Levi, Ainsley and Wyatt; along with many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held Dec. 29, 2023, at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. A private family interment followed at Manalapan Cemetery.
This article originally appeared in the January 4 – 10, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
