Willliam Earl Wiles

William Earl Wiles of Farmington passed away on Wednesday, December 29, 2010, at Parkland Health Center at the age of 77. He was born on December 23, 1933, at Hopkins County, KY, son of the late Marquis DeLafayette and Annie (Willis) Wiles. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by brothers Roy, John, Blaine, Orville, James and sisters, Daisy and Tillie. William was raised in Hopkins County, Kentucky. He joined the U. S. Army at the age of 20 and proudly served his country during the Korean conflict stationed in Alaska. After his time in the service he came back to Kentucky and married the love of his life, Lula Wilson, with whom he had corresponded during his tour of duty in Alaska. They raised their family in Madisonville, Kentucky, before moving to Bonne Terre in 1971 and on to Farmington in 1975. He spent more than thirty years as an explosives expert and retired in 1995 from ICI Explosives. He was a lifetime member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Farmington where he served as Bishop of the Church for five years. He became a Master Gardener after his retirement and was a member of the board of MCII. In his spare time he enjoyed woodworking, gardening and spending time with his family. William stayed active helping others throughout his life. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Lula Belle; his children, Cindy (Mrs. Mike) McDaniel, Douglas Wiles and his wife, Susan, Brian Keith Wiles and his wife, Jenny, and Lee Wiles; grandchildren, Chris McDaniel, Eric McDaniel, Marcus McDaniel, Douglas R. Wiles and his wife Mandy, Dustin Wiles and his wife Steph'annie, and Derek Wiles and his wife Katelyn; great-grandchildren, Andrew McDaniel, Angalena and Bailey McDaniel and Annie Sue Wiles. Other survivors include a abrother, Willie Wiles and his wife, Oma Mae, of Franklin, Kentucky and many neices and nephews. Funeral services will be held Sunday at 11:30 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with Bishop Don Blum, Elder Tom Pezel and President Bruce Shoen officiating. Memorials may be made to the Southeast Missouri Transportation Service (SMTS), P. O. Box 679, Fredericktown, Missouri 63645 or www.ridesmts.org. View Tribute Video and share your condolences and memories at cozean.biz.