Obit: Bilgar, Watson G. (1929 – 2006)
Contact:  Audrey Roedl
 

Surnames: BILGAR LEMON ZAILER BANNING WIESE NICE STOHER SLEMPKES

Source: Loyal TRG 28 June 2006

Bilgar, Watson G. (13 FEB 1929 – 24 JUN 2006)

Watson G. Bilgar, 77, town of Spencer, formerly of Unionville, Mich., died on Saturday, June 24, 2006, at his daughter’s residence where he had resided since September 2005. A celebration of his life will be held in Bad Axe, Mich., at the MacAlpine Funeral Home on Sunday, July 30, at 1 p.m.

Watson George Bilgar was born on Feb. 13, 1929, in Kingfisher, Okla., to Frank and Annabel (nee Lemon) Bilgar. He received his education in Oklahoma and then at the age og 16, he moved with his family to Ontario, Ore., where he worked with the family Hatchery business. He graduated from high school in 1947 and put himself through college by working the potato harvests. He graduated from Oregon State University in 1951 with a degree in animal husbandry. He furthered his education in the Conservation Baptist Theological Seminary in Denver, Colo. On Aug. 29, 1952, he married Jean Zailer at the Baptist church in Denver. The young couple lived in Denver and he worked in construction and for the United States Postal Service. He became a pastor in Hotchkiss, Colo., and then in 1958, joined the American Sunday School Union, serving lower Michigan. From 1968-72, he was the pastor at the Calvary Baptist Church in Grayling, Mich., and for the next 14 years, he served at the Filion Church near Bad Axe. He was part of the Forgotten Man Mission, working in the jails in thumb areas in Michigan until 1989. His wife died in May 0f 1990. A few years after her death, his health failed and he retired. He came to live with his daughter in September 2005. He greatly enjoyed walking many miles each day. He was an avid historian and gardener. He loved his wife and family and will be sadly missed by his many good Friends in the Unionville, Mich., area.

Survivors include his daughters, Ann (Darrell) Banning, Saginaw, Mich., Georgia Wiese, Spencer, and Laura (Daniel) Nice, Wellington, Fla.: five grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife; one sister, Clara Stoher; on grandchild, Joel Slempkes in 1985; and one son-in-law, Bob Wiese in January 2005.

Memorials given in his name are greatly appreciated and will be given to The Bible League.

Cuddie Funeral Home, Loyal, is assisting the family with local arrangements.

MacAlpine Funeral Home, Bad Axe, is assisting the family in Michigan.