Dean Wilson, 87, long-time farmer and rancher, of rural Hartford, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, June 4, 2019, at the Coffey County Hospital in Burlington.

Arthur Dean Wilson was born March 18, 1932, in Minot, North Dakota, the son of James Arthur and Edna May (Todd) Wilson.

When he was a toddler the family moved to the Hartford area where Dean spent the rest of his life. He attended rural grade schools and graduated from Hartford High School in 1950 as Valedictorian. He would remain close to his class mates throughout the years.

On September 22, 1957, he and Eula Stotler were married in Iola, Kansas. They became the parents of five children.

Dean was a member of the Hartford United Methodist Church. He was an original member of the board of directors of Happy Homes in Hartford and was a long-time Farm Bureau board member serving as vice-president for many years. He loved his community and helped with various community projects.

Dean's life centered around his family and the farm. Trips to look at machinery often turned into family vacations. His children have fond memories of trips to the lake and vacations. He took good care of his land and in 1969 he and Eula were awarded the Coffey County Kansas Banker's Award for Conservation and in 2015 they were awarded the Continuing Conservation Award. The family was named Farm Bureau Family of the Year in 2006.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Alex Holland; and a brother, Larry Wilson.

He leaves Eula, his wife of more than 61 years, who worked side by side with him on the farm throughout their life together; his children, Gwen Wellnitz (Kevin), Neosho Rapids, KS, Alan Wilson (Kiren), Hamstead, NC, Colleen Tennant (Greg), Tampa, FL, Kim Holland, Overland Park, KS, and Darrell Wilson (Susan), Hartford; 18 grandchildren, Scott (Kari) Wellnitz, Randy (Jacque) Wellnitz, Gregory (Katie) Wellnitz, Jennifer (Zachary) Danler, Shan Wilson, Samina Wilson, Seth Tennant, Analise Tennant, Elizabeth Holland, Emily Holland, Maggie Holland, Charlotte Holland, Christina Wilson, Erin Stuart, Susie DeMers, Carlee Broyles, Mitchell Broyles, and James Thomas Wilson; 9 great-grandchildren; a brother, Richard (Carol) Wilson, Burlington, KS; many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 A.M. Friday, June 14, 2019, at Jones Funeral Home in Burlington. Burial will follow in Hartford Cemetery.

The family will meet with friends from 6:30 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Thursday, June 13, at Jones Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Southern Lyon County Education- Dean Wilson Memorial Scholarship, The Marfan Foundation, or the American Heart Assoc., and may be sent in care of Jones Funeral Home, PO Box 277, Burlington, KS 66839.