Mr Robert L. Wilson Sr.

Robert L. Wilson Sr. was born on July 21, 1952, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Bradie and Camilla Wilson. He was the third of five children: Marvin, Bradie, Robert, Vivian, and Reginald.

He was educated in St. Louis, graduating from Soldan High School and later attending O'Fallon Tech, where he studied to be a machinist. Robert also had a natural talent and love for music. In high school, he played the drums and, as a freshman, was the top drumline player. He loved to talk about the "battle of the bands" between high schools of that era.

During high school, Robert was also a member of his brother Marvin's band, where his musical talents expanded to include the bass guitar and piano. The band, managed by their father "Pops" Wilson, even recorded a song. Though it was purely instrumental, it was a hit in their community. One of the tracks, "Confusion," was a standout, with the music being off the charts. Neighborhood residents still talk about how, when the band practiced in the basement, people would gather from blocks around just to listen.

In high school, Robert met his sweetheart Valerie Thompson, who joined the band as a vocalist. Together, they performed in clubs and venues throughout Missouri.

Shortly after high school, Robert was drafted into the army during the Vietnam War. He married Valerie and had two sons, Robert Jr. and Brian. While serving, he worked as a Military Policeman (MP) and had the opportunity to play in the military band. Robert often reminisced about the fun he had traveling from city to city, doing what he loved most—playing music.

After his honorable discharge from the Army, Robert became the bandleader for the newly formed Right On Band. Robert played bass guitar, his brother Bradie played sax, his brother Reggie played drums, his sister Vivian and wife Valerie were vocalists, and his best friend Terry Martin also sang. Bilal Hakim played the bongos, and many other members joined over the years, contributing to the band's signature St. Louis sound.

While working on his music, Robert attended community college for a couple of years before becoming an apprentice electrician. Over time, he became a master electrician, known for his exceptional skills. He could fix the most difficult electrical issues with ease. Robert worked on large Union projects, ran his own electrical business, and collaborated with his brothers Marvin and Reggie on various construction projects. He also learned plumbing and carpentry, showcasing his versatility. Later, he worked for Union Pacific Railroad as a signalman/electrician, where he eventually retired.

Robert was a man of great character, deeply committed to his family and friends. He loved God and was always there to help those in need. If the electricity went out due to a storm, it was guaranteed that Robert would be there the same night or early the next morning to fix it.

Robert had a love for politics and debating. He encouraged his children to think critically, to analyze any given situation, and to make the best decisions possible. When they made mistakes, he was there to lift them up and help them understand what went wrong. He often said, "As long as I have told you how things are, I've done my job. So you can never say that someone hasn't told you the truth."

An integral part of his family, Robert will be sorely missed. He leaves behind his sons, daughter-in-laws, brothers, sister, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a wide circle of friends.