Death
Wilson died on February 10, 2010, at Lufkin Memorial Hospital in Lufkin, Texas after collapsing earlier in the day. He suffered from cardiopulmonary arrest. He was pronounced dead at 12:16 P.M. Central Time. "America has lost an extraordinary patriot whose life showed that one brave and determined person can alter the course of history," said Robert Gates, then US Defense Secretary.
Wilson received a graveside service with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery on February 23, 2010.
A six-piece jazz band punctuated each eulogy with Charlie's favorites "As Time Goes By", "My Way", and in honor of his years as a naval intelligence officer "Anchors Aweigh", and "Navy Hymn".
"He will be missed from the Golan Heights to the Khyber Pass, from the Caspian to the Suez and the halls in Congress, for his civility, and willingness to listen and help and not posture," said John Wing, who traveled with Wilson on his journeys to Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The front rows of the school's Temple Theater were packed with people such as Republican Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, former U.S. Representative Martin Frost, former Lieutenant Governor Gov. Ben Barnes and Houston gas titan Oscar Wyatt and his wife Lynn.
After Sunday's service, his widow Barbara welcomed a small group of her late husband's intimates to their home on the golf course in Lufkin. Next to an American eagle sculpture in the living room, the words of Abdur Rahman Khan, emir of Afghanistan from 1880 to 1901, are emblazoned on a brass plaque: "My spirit will remain in Afghanistan even though my soul will go to God. My last words to you my son and successor are: Never Trust the Russians."
Read more about this topic: Charlie Wilson (Texas Politician)
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