Andrew "Andy" Joseph Wilson Jr.

BURLEY – Andrew Joseph “Andy” Wilson Jr., age 83, of Burley, passed away Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at St. Luke’s Magic Valley Regional Medical Center in Twin Falls, with his wife and family by his side.

Andy was born September 16, 1934, in New Albany, Indiana, to Andrew Joseph Wilson Sr. and Emma Louisa Phipps Wilson. In 1952 he met the love of his life, Jane Bye, and they began dating; however, from 1957-1959, Andy was stationed in Japan while serving his country in the United States Navy. When he returned, they continued to date and were married on June 7, 1959; soon thereafter they began a family of their own – Jeff was the firstborn and then Joe. In November of 1964, they moved to Kentucky, and this is when they were introduced to and joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In 1967, their friends, Ken and Nancy Redder, were moving to Burley, Idaho, so they decided to pack up their two boys, a big dog, seven cats and some belongings in a small car and join the Redders in moving to Burley. When they arrived, they fell in love with the area and called it home. Their residence was in the Burley 7th Ward, which is where they still reside to this day. At this time in their lives they were blessed with two more sons, Jerry and then Jon. The family continued to grow and was blessed with seven grandchildren and is now expecting the ninth great-grandchild. He taught his family the value of hard work, dedication and respect of others. He loved his family and took many trips around the country with them. Andy made several good friends and loved the Burley area. He worked as a salesman in various jobs throughout his career, as well as other pursuits including running his own business with Jane, The Burley Floral, which they operated for three years, as well as driving school bus, which he did for just over 18 years.

Andy also gave of his time to the Exchange Club where he was the president for two terms. He held many different callings in the church, including 2nd counselor in the Bishopric for six years; he loved all of his classes over the years in which he taught the Gospel. Jane and Andy served two church missions: one for the Burley L.D.S. Employment Resource Center and the other for the Burley Family History Center. He enjoyed volunteering in the Boy Scout program, where for 25 years he served as the Advisor for the Order of the Arrow Scouting program, influencing many young men’s lives. He had earned the BSA Silver Beaver Award.

Surviving Andy is his “Queen” of 58 years, Jane; his four sons, Jeff Wilson of Burley, Joe (Amy) Wilson of Meridian, Jerry (Jennifer) Wilson and Jon Wilson both of Burley; a brother, Donald Wilson of North Carolina; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one grandchild, Kyle Wilson.

The family would like to express their appreciation to St. Luke’s Magic Valley Medical Center and Dr. Ronald Miciak for the wonderful care they provided.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 21, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Burley 7th Ward, located at 2200 Oakley Ave., with Bishop Brent Winn officiating. Military rites will be accorded by the Mini-Cassia Veterans Organization. Burial will be in Pleasant View Cemetery.

Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 20, at Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. prior to the service at the church.

Andy will be truly missed by many!