Alfred James Wilson

“Chief” Alfred Wilson, 84, passed away Monday, February 16, 2026 at Edgewood in Fruitland, Idaho. He was valiant to the end.

His family and friends wish to thank all of the care givers, nurses, therapists and physicians who have given extraordinary care to him for so many years. May God bless each of you for your service to those in need!

Alfred James Wilson (Chief) was born on Nov. 7, 1941 to Rose Ann Roanhorse and Samuel Wilson in Crystal, New Mexico, and was the 2nd of 8 children. He grew up on a small family farm where he learned to work. After reaching school age, Alfred attended a Catholic School in his rural New Mexico area but it only accepted students through 3rd grade and his parents were unable to fund higher education in the area. In September 1950, a missionary named Paul Nelson arrived in the Gallup New Mexico area for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and began meeting the local church members. During his mission, Paul, in conjunction with the new Church sponsored Indian Student Placement Program, was able to coordinate for Alfred, his younger brother Perry, and several others to relocate for the school year to Adrian Oregon.

They moved in with Lawrence Brown and his wife in September of 1952 to attend Adrian school; this lasted 1 year.

The following year, the brothers were split up, and Alfred moved in with the Milt and Melvina Nelson family in Ontario, Paul’s parents. Most summers, Alfred would return to New Mexico to visit with family and help out at home.

During Alfred’s grade school years with the Nelson’s he attended Lincoln school which was located about 3 miles due west of Cairo Elementary School’s current location was located about 1 mile from where Milt’s son Jack Nelson farmed, so after school, he would walk to Jack’s farm and help with the farming. Beginning in 4th Grade, Alfred attended Lindbergh Elementary in Ontario. When Milt and Melvina moved to Chino California in 1956, Alfred began staying with their son’s family, Jack and Mary Ellen Nelson. This move happened during Alfred’s 6th grade year.

As Alfred moved in with Jack Nelson’s family, he instantly became an older brother and was given responsibilities. At the time, Karen and LuAnn were quite young. Two years later, Kent was born. Alfred supported the family in their events and the family supported Alfred in his sports and schooling. Growing up on the farm seemed to give Alfred purpose. He could participate in sports and extracurricular activities and still be counted on to get his chores done before and after school. He loved to learn and farming was in his blood.

In High School, Alfred lettered multiple years in basketball and football, and enjoyed running track. He was fast! While playing sports, he developed many strong relationships that he nurtured throughout his life. He was adored by all who knew him and had many friends. He graduated from Ontario High School in 1962. After High School, he worked around the Nelson farm and went home to New Mexico for a season.

In 1964, Alfred enrolled at TVCC. During his time there he lettered in both of their football and basketball programs. He most enjoyed his classes in mechanical drawing. In June 1966, he graduated from TVCC with an Associate Degree in Science - Industrial Arts. Two months later, on Aug 18th, with his deep sense of country, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.

On Sep 4 - He reported to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot

- Oct 19 - Graduated from Boot Camp

- Oct 20 – Moved to Camp Pendleton for Advanced Infantry Training.

- Dec 14 – Alfred promotes from Private (PVT) to Private 1st Class (PFC)

- April 3-6 1967– Alfred promotes from PFC to Lance Corporal (L/CPR)

- August 8 1967 – When Alfred left California he served in the 3rd Marine Division, 2nd Platoon, 9th Marines. He left L.A. and flew 9 hours to Wake Island; then 5 more hours to Okinawa.

- Sep 1- Alfred promotes from L/CPR to Corporal, received orders, and left for Vietnam and was stationed near the De-militarized zone (DMZ). He was wounded a couple days after arriving and immediately returned to Okinawa Naval base for recovery. He was in recovery for 87 days and decided to be redeployed to his unit.

- Dec 24 – Alfred gets orders to transfer to the (Subic Bay Naval Base) in the Philippines

- Feb 2 1968 – Alfred receives orders to Vietnam again (Gulf Company 2nd Battalion 9th Marine Regiment) and was stationed near the DMZ at Camp Carroll.

- April 25 1968 – He was made squad leader because so many of the men in his unit were taken out in a 4-day battle. He had to write home to the families of the fallen and tell them of their losses.

- May 27, 1968 - Alfred received injuries that would prove much more debilitating than his first injury and place him on the VAs 110% disabled list.

During recovery, Alfred spent the following 3-4 years in and out of hospitals in Oakland California, Portland Oregon, and Boise Idaho. He had to learn to walk with his brace, do most things with 1 hand, become accustomed to his diminished vision, and recover from many plastic surgeries. One of the therapies that lasted for a little season was painting. Most of his paintings were either desert scenes painted on canvas, or ceramics, which he fired in a home kiln.

Alfred said it took him about 5 years to come to terms with his injuries. A psychiatrist evaluating Alfred prior to his return to civilian life stated: Although Alfred‘s financial situation is such that he does not have to find a job, he should keep busy. Alfred‘s greatest asset is his cooperative, friendly nature. He seems to enjoy people and is able to get along well with others. Therefore, he might derive a great deal of enjoyment while being useful doing some voluntary social work. This he did!

After returning to the farm, Alfred faced the challenge of adjusting to daily work with the use of only one hand. What might have discouraged others only strengthened his resolve. With patience and determination, he steadily grew more self-sufficient and confident—setting siphons, building fence, handling a pitchfork and shovel, setting gopher traps, irrigating, setting and pulling dams in the concrete ditch, feeding cow/calf pairs and even bottle-feeding baby calves.

Since Alfred was denied a driver’s license due to vision loss from his injury, he had to rely on others to get him from place to place. He truly gained a renewed sense of independence and freedom when he began riding a three-wheeler specially customised to meet his needs. Over the years, he owned several four-wheelers, snowmobiles, and ATVs, each one helping him stay active, connected, and fully engaged in the life he loved.

He lived to farm and to visit with neighbors, often taking afternoon and evening drives that carried him miles from home. Alfred never met a stranger—he delighted in getting to know others and had a remarkable gift for turning everyday encounters into lasting friendships.

Throughout the years, he had several dogs and enjoyed having them as his companions on the farm. They would ride around with him wherever he went. He would sneak them dinner scraps every night and talk to them just like they were one of the family.

Alfred served in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints faithfully in many capacities, including as a Primary & Sunday School teacher, a member of the ward Sunday School Presidency, and a devoted leader in both the Young Men and Primary programs. He prepared thoughtful lessons, carrying a special bag that Mary Ellen helped him pack each week with teaching materials. His lessons were often filled with creative object lessons that captured the attention and hearts of the Primary children. He found particular joy in coaching the ward’s boys’ and girls’ church basketball teams, encouraging them not only in sports but in confidence, dedication and teamwork.

Alfred was a loyal supporter of the local high school, rarely missing a football or basketball game. Even after his nieces and nephews graduated, his friends would still pick him up so he could attend and cheer on his beloved Tigers. He took great pride in watching the teams grow and following their successes year after year.

He always looked forward to his monthly haircuts. He would get up early, get his chores done and be ready to head into town as soon as the Barber shop was open. He loved visiting with everyone there learning the town gossip. He would then want to go out for lunch or maybe a quick stop by D&B or Bi-Mart for a snack to take home or something he might need out at the farm. He also enjoyed going with his friends to town for lunch. He'd rotated between friends that he'd call and invite just to catch up and see what was going on around the valley.

He was also deeply involved in the VFW (Veterans of Foreign War), DAV (Disabled American Veterans), and the American Legion, frequently attending meetings, reconnecting with friends, and participating in community parades. His nieces and nephews especially treasured taking him to Veterans Day assemblies and classroom presentations. Alfred cherished every opportunity to speak to students—from

kindergarten through college—sharing his experiences as a veteran and offering words of encouragement. He inspired many, not only through his service to his country, but through the strength of his unique Navajo heritage. He often wove his culture and military service together in his message and would thoughtfully incorporate his native language, leaving a lasting impression on all who heard him.

Later in life, Alfred made it a point during a service interview to share that he did not suffer from PTSD following the war. He believed that openly speaking about his experiences had helped him process those memories, and he hoped others would find healing in sharing their own stories as well. He went out of his way to thank the servicemen and women he encountered in public, often striking up conversations to listen to their experiences. Alfred valued those moments of connection, believing that honoring others’ service and encouraging open dialogue was one of the greatest ways to continue serving long after his time in uniform.

Surviving Alfred are his biological siblings, Raymond Morris of Tohatchi, New Mexico, Betty Wilson of Farmington, New Mexico, Perry (Irene Neswood) Wilson of Crystal, New Mexico, Lafe (Kristin) Wilson Damon of Crystal, New Mexico, Judy W Clark of Crystal, New Mexico, and foster siblings: LuAnn Aldred of Utah and R.Kent (Yvonne) Nelson of Ontario, Oregon.

Alfred is preceded in death by his biological parents, Sam Wilson and Rose Ann Roanhorse Wilson, and brothers Benjamin “Benny” Wilson, Earnest “Ernie” Wilson, and Ralph (Mary) Wilson, and foster parents, R. Jack and Mary Ellen Nelson, their daughter Karen Nelson, Michael (LuAnn) Aldred, and Kalesita Kamisese.

There will be a public viewing on Sunday, February 22nd at the Ontario Haren-Wood Funeral Chapel 2543 SW 4th Ave., Ontario, OR from 6pm to 7:30 pm.

Monday, February 23 viewing starts at 10 am and funeral service at 11:00am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 661 SW 12th St. in Ontario.

That will be followed by a graveside committal with Military Honors and interment at Evergreen Cemetery in Ontario. You may view the service on livestream at

https://inmemorial.us/live/inmemorial-channel-1

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