Paul Scott Wilson

Paul Scott Wilson, 73, completed his journey of life on October 2, 2024, at his home in Yukon, Oklahoma.

Scott was born on December 4, 1950, to Paul Sylvester and Thyra Lou Wilson in Ponca City, Oklahoma. The middle child of five, he grew up in Osage County, caddy-corner from McCord School. He was an active child with an incredibly curious mind, which sometimes led to mischief. At the young age of 10, he decided he wanted to build a Ferris wheel. He gathered materials from his parents' farm and got to work designing and creating a fully functioning, two-bucket Ferris wheel. Growing up in the country was hard work, but it was Scott's adventure.

He spent his early years at McCord School before attending Burbank. During this time, he became involved in various activities, including basketball, baseball, 4-H judging, student council, newspaper, and the honor roll. After his junior year, Burbank School closed, which led him to transfer to Po-Hi, where he finished his senior year in 1969.

As a teenager, he started working for his grandfather, Oberschelp, who owned and operated Elite Laundry and Cleaners on 3rd and Otoe. After high school, he continued working at the cleaners, eventually taking over ownership. In 1970, Scott chose to serve his country in the Army National Guard, which he proudly did for six years.

On October 10, 1975, he married the love of his life, Susan Jane Stingley, at the First Presbyterian Church. This date was significant since it marked the 50th anniversary of his grandmother and grandfather Oberschelp. With his union to Suzy came the birth of two daughters, Keri and Erin.

In 1977, he started a business with his brother Mark called Wilson Brothers Construction. They purchased land from their family in Osage County, where they planned and developed several neighborhoods and built many houses. He raised his family in these homes until the decision was made in 1986 to expand Elite Laundry and Cleaners and build a new facility on South Avenue, where he chose to incorporate a convenience store and coin-operated laundry.

Scott was well known for his community involvement. He became active in Ambucs, holding the office of president, helping to build the Ambucs pool, assisting and organizing the annual sports car races, and much more. Scott was an active participant in the First Presbyterian Church, becoming a deacon later in life. He was also a proud member of AA, where he became a support person for others and met some of his dearest friends.

Scott had a passion for all things mechanical and could build almost anything, including cars, buildings, and even a hyperbaric chamber. His mind was a miraculous machine full of wisdom and knowledge.

Unfortunately, due to his active lifestyle and being a tad accident-prone, Scott endured many broken bones, which resulted in various surgeries. His life continued to change drastically after the diagnosis of his wife's cancer in 1994. After dealing with so many health issues, Scott and Suzy chose to close their business in 2005 and move to Yukon to be closer to their daughters and doctors. Scott and Suzy spent the next 18 years surrounded by their children and grandchildren, until the devastating loss of Suzy in October 2023. Scott mourned terribly for his wife of 48 years, all while his health continued to decline. He prayed for the day that they would be reunited until the Lord answered his prayers. Although we are devastated by the loss of both Scott and Suzy in such a short time, we rejoice that they are without pain and together again.

Scott was preceded in death by his wife, Susan; parents Paul and Thyra Wilson; sister Priscilla Wells; brother Peter Jay Wilson; niece Amy Wilson; maternal grandparents Arthur and Elizabeth Oberschelp; paternal grandparents George and Pearl Wilson; and many dear aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, and friends. Scott is survived by his daughter Keri and son-in-law Ken Langert of Yukon, and daughter Erin and son-in-law Chris Coats of Yukon. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Anna Langert of Edmond, Payton Coats of Norman, and Laura Langert, Isaac Coats, and Lydia Langert, all of Yukon.

Services will be held at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Ponca City on October 11, 2024 at 10:00 a.m., and a Celebration Of Life will follow at the Marland Mansion, 901 Monument Rd, Ponca City, OK 74604. All friends and family are welcome to attend.

Condolences may be sent to 11305 Valhalla Lane, Yukon, OK 73099, and donations may be made in memory of Scott Wilson to the Ambucs Living Endowment, PO Box 2043, Ponca City, OK 74602.