HOUSTON, Del.—-Elmer M. Wilson, 95, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2017, at his home surrounded by his family.

A resident of Houston, Del., Mr. Wilson was a longtime harness horseman who followed the horses throughout his adult life. He served his country proudly in the United States Army during WWII, where he was a crane operator in the Army and saw action in England, France, and Iceland. Following military service, Mr. Wilson worked at the DuPont Co. plant in Seaford, Del. as a power service operator upon retirement in 1981. He also was a chicken and crop farmer for many years.

For more than six decades, Mr. Wilson had been active in the harness racing industry. He owned and often drove several horses during his lifetime, and when younger, was considered one of the best local drivers in area racing. In his spare time, he enjoyed bowling on a league team and enjoyed fishing and owned several boats over the years.

Every morning, he ate daily with the "Harrington Breakfast Club," a group of men who enjoyed eating and talking. Almost every night, he could be found at the Harrington Raceway Simulcasts watching the races.

Mr. Wilson will be remembered as a quiet and reserved person who was very giving, almost to a fault. He was generous by nature, and dearly a family man. Mr. Wilson was a member of the United States Trotting Assoc., Cloverleaf Standardbred Owners' Association, Houston United Methodist Church, in his younger days he was member of the Houston Fire Co., and the Milford VFW.

The Wilson Family would like to send their appreciation and thanks to Seasons Hospice for their care of Mr. Wilson. He is survived by his loving wife, Ruth Wilson of Houston, Del.; daughter, Holly (Joseph III) Ventura of Milford, Del.; and grandson, Joseph Ventura IV.

Services took place at the Thomas E. Melvin & Son Funeral Home, 15522 South DuPont Hwy., Harrington, Del., on Saturday, February 4, with Interment at Hollywood Cemetery, Harrington, Del. Arrangements are by the Thomas E. Melvin & Son Funeral Home Inc, Harrington, Contact www.melvinfuneralhome.com to send flowers or sign condolence book.

Marv Bachrad