Wilson, Howard Owen, 88, of Fullerton, California passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on May 12, 2013. Howard was born in Charleston, W.VA. to Damon Wilson and Mary Wilson (nee Johnson) on September 25,1924. He served his country in World War II as a bomber pilot in the Army Air Corp. Afterward, he graduated from the University of West Virginia where he pledged Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, then completed his law degree at George Washington University. He moved his young family to Orange County in 1957, where he began his career as a banker with Citizens National Bank (later Crocker Bank, then Wells Fargo), and retired from the position of Senior Vice President and Trust Officer. During this time, Howard began his volunteer services as the president of The Braille Institute and following his retirement from the banking industry, he became Braille's Director of Financial Affairs. He was also a trustee at Pepperdine University and served on the boards of numerous charitable organizations and philanthropies, including St. Jude Hospital in Fullerton.

Howard was predeceased in 2003 by his loving wife of 57 years, Suzanne Adams Wilson. He is survived by his six children, Stephanie Lewis (Bruce), Christine Vitamanti, Charles Wilson (Patricia), Jane Cunningham, Joseph Wilson (Jacqueline) and Paul Wilson (Denise); sisters, Helen Graver and Louise Radcliff of Charleston, W.Va.; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He will be missed by his loving companion Jacqueline Petersen.

Howard enjoyed many years of walking and socializing with neighbors in Fullerton's Acacia Park. In lieu of flowers, a memorial park bench in Howard's name will be constructed along his favorite walking path. Donations may be made to Wells Fargo Bank, the HW Acacia Park Fund, account #8754491663.

A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Fullerton on Saturday, May 25 at 11:00 a.m.