Jerry Wilson is retiring from the Southeast Missourian after 40 years in newspaper advertising.

Wilson started in the newspaper business in 1961, at the Daily Sikeston Standard.

He joined the sales staff of the Southeast Missourian in 1968, and moved to Cape Girardeau.

Wilson spearheaded the Real Estate section of the Southeast Missourian. He will continue to work with Realtors on a part-time basis, through the Internet site, www.semissourian.com.

Wilson and his wife, Marilyn, were honored during a gathering held at the Southeast Missourian last week.