Kenneth Gene Wilson

Kenneth Gene Wilson , 75, ran to the arms of his Savior on the morning of November 12, 2026. Born April 4, 1951, in Amarillo, Texas, to Olen and Millie Wilson, he graduated from Palo Duro High School and played collegiate football at Baylor University. He married the love of his life, Karen, on December 14, 1974, and together they built a wonderful family and life in Amarillo. Working for Southwestern Public Service (Excel Energy) for 38 years, Gene developed many cherished friendships there.

Gene enjoyed rock and roll, blues, fishing, football, the outdoors, coaching, skiing, cars, cycling, playing with his grandkids, watching all the western TV shows from the 1950s, and eating ice cream. Known for his colloquial Gene-isms, his wry sense of humor, and his epic storytelling, Gene blessed others with his humor and joyful presence. Everyone he met carries some hilarious story about their experiences with him. Gene readily gave to others and was always prepared to jump in to help. Always the problem-solver, he worked on anything and everything. From woodworking to mechanics, he was resourceful, creative, and determined. Gene was the hardest worker of any group he was a part of. From football to family, he gave all he had and strained to give more.

In every aspect of his life, Gene shared his love of Jesus. He lived for the world to see nobody but Jesus. Everyone he met was introduced to Jesus and God’s extravagant love. He was instrumental in leading several people to the feet of his Savior. Gene understood that pointing people to God was the ultimate purpose of life. He knew he could not take anything from this life to heaven, except the people whom he introduced to Jesus.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Olen Wilson and Millie Wilson.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Karen; his children, Brandi Wilson of New Braunfels, Jacob Wilson of Corpus Christi, and Darcy Killham (Shane) of Amarillo; grandchildren, Jada Wilson, Aiden Osborne, Jagger Wilson, Ainsley Osborne, Jozzlin Wilson, and Andrew Osborne; great-grandson, Harper Gene Wilson; brothers, Robert Wilson (Vernice) of Waco, J.D. Wilson of Carrollton; sister Glenda O’Neal of Horseshoe Bay; and many other nieces and nephews.

The family will hold a viewing/visitation from 10:00 A.M. to 12:45 P.M. on Monday, November 16, 2026, at Hillside Christian Church - Amarillo Northwest Campus, 600 Tascosa Road, Amarillo, Texas, 79124.

Gene’s Funeral Services will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the same location.

Interment will follow at 2:30 at Memory Gardens of Amarillo Cemetery, 14200 Texas Plains Trail, 79119 (on the Canyon E-Way)

For those who wish to send flowers, please direct them to Lighthouse Funeral and Cremation Services, 3707 Wolflin Avenue, Amarillo, TX 79102.