Dr. Joe R. Wilson, at the age of 90, passed away peacefully in his sleep early Saturday morning, June 22, 2013. The love of his life, Pegi West Wilson, two children and two grandchildren were with him at the time. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, June 29, 2013 in the Chapel at Temple Baptist Church in Ruston. Joe was born in Colfax, LA on April 5, 1923 and grew up in Orange, TX. Joe attended the Naval Academy graduating in the summer of 1944. In July 1944 he married Pegi West and for nearly 69 years he frequently reminded her “We have a good thing going.” Joe spent the rest of WWII on the USS Boston and was present in Tokyo Harbor when the surrender was signed in 1945. After the war Joe transferred to the Navy Civil Engineer Corps and was sent to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY for a Masters Degree in Civil Engineering. Joe served until retirement in 1964 with the rank of Commander. Joe then obtained a Doctorate in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas and started a second career as a Civil Engineering Professor at Louisiana Tech University. Joe's second retirement was as head of the Civil Engineering Department. Joe is survived by the love of his life, Pegi West Wilson; three Children: Bob Wilson, Sandi Wilson Moore and Rick Wilson; four grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Bob, Rick and granddaughter Kristi Moore Mathews followed his footsteps into the Navy with Kristi and Rick also Naval Academy Graduates. Joe has a son, grandson and great granddaughter born in Naval Hospitals. In lieu of Flowers Donations may be made to “The journey Place” at Temple Baptist Church or “The Wounded Warrior Project” Ruston Area Fund Drive, PO Box 75854, Topeka Kansas 66675. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com