Dr. Howard Todd Willson

Dr. Howard Todd Willson, 84, passed away peacefully May 8, 2019, at Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital in Thermopolis.

Born December 3, 1934, in Spring Lake, Fla., he was the son of Edwin C. and Blanche H. (Downs) Willson. The son of a preacher, Howard's early years were shaped by the depression and WWII which saw his father enlist as a Chaplain in the Army.

Howard attended the Florida State University, then joined the Air Force as a commissioned officer and became a father as well. After his time in the Air Force, he received his medical degree from the University of Florida, practicing medicine in Boynton Beach, Fla., for many years. On June 30, 1973, he married Belinda Peters in Baco Raton, Fla., and later moved his family to Wyoming. Settling first in Basin, Howard eventually moved to Thermopolis.

In addition to the practice of medicine, Howard had a passion for airplanes and was an accomplished pilot. He loved the west, especially hunting, fishing, horseback riding and spending time at the family cabin in the Big Horns, his favorite spot on earth.

Known simply as "Doc" Willson to his patients, he was an exceptionally caring physician. Devoted to the practice of medicine in Wyoming, he served as President of Wyoming Medical Society, delegate to the American Medical Association and was extensively involved in establishing the medical school partnership between Wyoming and Washington to help educate the next generation of Wyoming physicians. Later in life he found great enjoyment serving on the University of Wyoming Board of Trustees. He was a member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.

Devoted to his family, patients, community and the state of Wyoming, those who loved him will not forget the stories he told, his infectious laugh, and the twinkle in his eye.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Belenda; sister, Margot Osborne; children, Todd, Janet, and Scott Willson, Felicia Collins, Greg Willson and Kati Urbanek; 12 grandchildren; and 1 great-grandchild. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Blanche Sapp; and brother, Edwin Willson.

Private services will be held Saturday, May 18, at 11 a.m. at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. Memorial services will be held Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. at the School Auditorium. Memorials in Howard's name may be made to H.S.C. Memorial Hospital Foundation, 150 E. Arapahoe, Thermopolis, 82443.

Mortimore Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online messages may be offered at http://www.mortfh.com.