Etsel Albert Wilson

Chief Etsel Albert (Ted) Wilson departed this life on January 5, 2021, at the age of 81. He was a caring husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, who leaves a strong spiritual light for all the lives that he touched.Etsel was born in Greeneville, Tennessee to the parents of Billie (Woodford) Wilson and Howard Edsel (Deck) Elder, reared by Jesse Wilson. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Terrence Wilson. Etsel is survived by his loving and supportive wife of 58 years, Dorothy Wilson; daughters, Shari (David) Lehmann and Pamela Atwater; grandchildren, Michael, Matthew, Michelle, Victoria, and Anthony; sisters, Marie Wells (TN), Tawana Cotner (TN), LaDonnia Leonard (NC) and a host of nieces, nephews and other extended family members and friends. He graduated from George Clem High School, class of 1960 and was peacefully involved in helping to desegregate his hometown so that others could enjoy the freedoms that exist today.Etsel graduated from Wilberforce University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology/minor in Chemistry. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1962, and was stationed in Munich, Germany, where he worked as a Physical Therapy Specialist. He served nearly 14 years of active and reserve military service and was honorably discharged.Etsel worked as a Sergeant at Central State University Police Department. He was hired as the Director of Security at Wilberforce University. He attended police school and was instrumental in changing state law and developing programs to transform the security department into a police department at Wilberforce University. Etsel retired as Chief of Police at Wilberforce University after 32 years of service. He was a member and past president of the Ohio Private Security Association, member, and past president of the Greene County Law Enforcement Association. He was a member of the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA) where he worked on many committees.Etsel was a life member of Wilberforce University Alumni. He was also an Omega Psi Phi Fraternity life member with 45 years of devotion and service. Those who knew Etsel were inspired by his supportive, loving, and encouraging nature. He had a strong spiritual and unwavering faith. He held his family in the highest regard and always reached out to help many in need. Etsel enjoyed spending time with family, researching genealogy, history, traveling, and sports. Service for Etsel Wilson will be held on Friday, January 15, 2021 at United A.M.E Church 286 East Church Street, Xenia, Ohio. Visitation will be a walkthrough from 9:30 a.m.until the time of service which will be at 10:30 a.m.with Rev. Dr. John E. Freeman officiating. Interment will follow at Dayton National Cemetery, Dayton, Ohio. A social distancing protocol will be observed, and face mask will be required. Arrangements entrusted to Porter-Qualls-Freeman Funeral Home, Inc. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wilberforce University or Hospice of Dayton. Live funeral service can be viewed via Zoom at 10:15 a.m. on Friday, January 15, 2021.https://us04web.zoom.us/j/7364934665?pwd=bmVWRERtZXQwaFBCWWZiOUJTUUlaQT09

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