Ruby Howard Wilson, affectionately known as "Ruben," 94, a resident of Cape Girardeau, died Sunday, Aug. 16, 2020, at the home of his great-niece in Cape Girardeau.

He was born April 6, 1926, in Dutchtown to the late Charles Green and Mary Jane Holmes Wilson.

Ruby attended John S. Cobb School in Cape Girardeau and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1945. After serving his country, he received an honorable discharge and relocated to St. Louis.

He was self-employed for a number of years in lawn service until his health failed, and he relocated back to Cape Girardeau. He was also employed by General Grocers Supply Plant in St. Louis for a number of years.

Ruby was active in several organizations, including Shriners International and Prince Hall Masons.

He is survived by sons, Vincent Wilson of Columbus, Ohio, and Gerald Booz and LaMar Wilson of St. Louis; niece, Louise Cardwell Duncan of Cape Girardeau; nephew, Silas Cardwell of Bangor, Wisconsin; great-niece, Yvonne "Vonnie" Johnson of Cape Girardeau; special great-nephews, Anthony and Marshall; special great-niece, Kyley, who helped with his care; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Keith Wilson; brothers, Roy, Frank and Les Wilson; and sisters, Leora Wilson Timms, Mary Wilson Cardwell, Zelma Wilson Green and Lorraine Wilson.

Graveside rites with military honors will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield.

Williams Funeral Home in Charleston, Missouri, is in charge of arrangements.