Gerald Orton Wilson, Sr., age 95, passed away at home on November 7, 2026, with family at his side. He was born in Kalamazoo, MI on January 1, 1931, the son of the late Orton and Magdalene (Critchelow) Wilson. He attended Kalamazoo schools, graduating from St. Augustine High School in 1949. He subsequently enrolled at Kalamazoo College, graduating in 1953 with majors in Biology, Chemistry and French. After graduating from college, Gerald served for two years in the U.S. Army with the Chemical Corps at Ft. Bragg, NC. Following his separation from service, he entered graduate school at Michigan State University where he earned a master’s degree and then pursued doctoral studies at the University of Michigan. It was at this time that he met his future wife, Marilyn Miller. They were married at St. Giles Church in Oak Park, IL, on September 23, 1961, celebrating their 65th anniversary in 2026. Together they raised two loving sons. He was an involved and proud grandfather, loyal brother and dedicated friend. He maintained a remarkably positive outlook throughout his later years and recent health challenges. His smile, kindness, sense of humor and joy were gifts to those who loved him and he will be forever missed. Together with his parents and brother, Gerald established Wilson Air Equipment Company in 1963, supplying compressed air equipment and service to the general industrial and construction markets. He served as the company’s Vice President and General Manager for forty-two years prior to his retirement. Gerald also made time to enjoy life and make special memories. He traveled to Europe several times along with many U.S. destinations. He loved playing golf, listening to the music of Chopin and speaking the beautiful French language. He actively maintained contact for many years with his St. Augustine classmates. He was a dedicated member of St. Augustine Parish in Kalamazoo for over sixty years and was also a longtime member of both the Irish American Club and the Notre Dame Club of Kalamazoo. Above all, Gerald loved his family and friends. Gerald is survived by his two sons, Gerald (Mary) Wilson, Jr. and Robert Wilson; grandchildren, Gerald (Caroline) Wilson III, Sean Wilson (Margarida Dalton, fiancé), Erin Wilson (David Finley, fiancé), Margaret Wilson; great-granddaughter, Katherine Mary Wilson; and his brother, J. Rodney Wilson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in passing by his wife, Marilyn, in October 2026.