Funeral services for Gene L. Wilson, 81, of Downsville will be held at 2:00pm Thursday, June 8, 2017 at Holmesville Baptist Church near Downsville with Bro. Jerry Whitman officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Nebo Cemetery under the direction of Farrar Funeral Home in Farmerville.

Mr. Wilson, a rural News Star carrier for the Downsville Community, went to his heavenly home June 6, 2017. He loved animals, especially his Yorkie, Leo.

Gene was preceded in death by his wife, Rilla Peske Wilson and son, John Darron Wilson.

Left to cherish his memory is his daughter, Janet Istre & husband, Ramsey of Downsville; 1 sister, Carolyn Neal & husband, Don of Sarepta, LA; 3 grandchildren: Joel Istre of West Monroe, Amy Parker & husband, Vince of Downsville, and Amber Minor & husband, Robert of Dallas, TX; and 4 great grandchildren: Bay, Alex, Trent, and Reed.

Pallbearers are Ramsey Istre, Joel Istre, Vince Parker, Adam Neal, David Neal and John Day.

Visitation will be Thursday at the church from 1:00pm until time of service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requested memorials be made to the local animal shelter, or the Union Parish Humane Society.