02/23/2026
A memorial service will be held at 12:00 pm April 11, 2026 at the New Connections United Methodist Church in Clarkston. If your life has been touched by Joe, please join us for the service and/or the fellowship to follow and share your memories while playing games with the family. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made toward his disposition expenses at Mountain View Funeral Home, to the AC Historical Society, or simply that you carry forward his spirit—take the time to talk with someone new, lend a hand, or teach what you know.
In Loving Memory of Joseph Lloyd Wilson [February 17, 1941] – [May 25, 2025]
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Joseph Lloyd Wilson, a devoted husband, father, mentor, and pillar of his community. He passed away in his home on the ranch surrounded by loved ones, leaving behind a legacy of service, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to education and agriculture.
A lifelong resident of Asotin County (AC), Joe was rooted in purpose. He survived Polio as a child and overcame it. In recovery, he came off crutches to run high-school track saying, “Someone has to lose.” That summer he convinced fellow Scouts to follow him 50 miles through the rugged Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness. His life continued on foot, hiking ridges and canyon walls, treasuring the Blue, Wallowa, and Cascade mountain ranges. A problem identified, then the solution found. He knew how to adapt by finding potential good in unpleasant situations. He shared this strategy, believing that everyone—from the smallest child to the most seasoned farmer—deserved a seat at the table and a voice in the conversation. With genuine warmth and a curious spirit, he never met a stranger, only friends to gain. In his youth, he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, introduced corn crops to AC as a high-school project, and was awarded a silver medal from Baush and Lomb for his scholarly excellence. Yet, he admired the accomplishments of his Clarkston High School class of 1959 and was grateful for their comradery in adulthood.
Joe attended Washington State University (WSU) where his knack for finding fun in any task attracted Annetta and sparked their life together as Cougar faithful. He participated in Army ROTC and enjoyed frequenting the rifle range. He represented WSU Agronomy and traveled to Kansas, returning an award-winner for grading wheat. He loved to tell of begging roses from Clarkston homes to decorate their wedding in Winthrop, WA as a surprise for his bride (1963). They honeymooned by roadtripping through British Columbia. His degree was put to use working at the WSU Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center in Prosser, WA. In 1965, the couple adventured throughout Europe upon train and bicycle for two months with Annetta’s 8th grade student in tow. While Annetta continued school in Palo Alto, CA, he found work reading utility meters for San Jose Flood Control and Water District. Then he worked constructing Washington’s northern end of Cascade Crest Trail with Annetta’s father. In 1966, they returned to Wilson’s Banner Ranch for good and raised a new generation. With the enthusiasm of a child on Christmas morning, Joe attended the Rose Bowl to cheer for the Cougars in 1998 and 2003. Before his passing, he arranged to have the house he built filled with roses on what would have been their 62nd anniversary.
His impact was felt in countless corners of the community. A passionate advocate for education and youth development, he dedicated time and energy to public school extracurricular activities. He chaperoned trips across the state for Science Olympiads, Math Olympiads, MathCounts, and more without missing the chance to see every state park and historic site along the way. He made sure that middle-schoolers had off-script adventures to places like the Pacific Science Center, Space Needle, and Vancouver Aquarium. He was proud of his efforts encouraging the school district to join the American Field Service (AFS) for exchange students, to create the STRIVE program for highly-capable elementary students, to add advanced placement courses for high-school students, and to utilize the Running Start program for students entering college early.
He volunteered for organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), Clarkston United Methodist Youth Group, Future Farmers of America (FFA), AFS Intercultural Programs, and Jaycees. He was recognized as an “Outstanding Farmer of the Year” by the Jaycees, and honored with the Silver Beaver Award by the BSA. Whether leading a farm tour, hosting a school field-trip to the fossil beds on the ranch, or guiding a Farm-to-Fork event, he turned every experience into a chance to learn and connect. In 1993, Joe led a merged Inland Northwest Council BSA troop on an east coast adventure. Two busloads of young men and gear flew across the country and spent one week seeing every possible landmark around Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. and a second week camping at the National Jamboree in Virginia.
His leadership extended to the AC W**d Board, AC Conservation District, County Extension Programs, as President of the AC Historical Society, and the creation of the Moscow Farmers Market and the Moscow Food Co-Op. A man of determination, Joe worked behind the scenes to make lasting change. In the State of Washington, he was instrumental in changing laws to protect eyewitnesses in cases of violence, especially when minors were involved, ensuring justice and safety for those most vulnerable. He was also a respected judge at multiple local county fairs, where his deep knowledge of horticulture helped nurture new generations of growers throughout the LC Valley.
Joe led by example, encouraging growth by exploration, education, and experimentation. He enjoyed fly-fishing and hunting and passed on his deep respect for nature to his children and generations of Scouts. All while instilling values of integrity, kindness, and service in those around him …evidence of his solid relationship with God. Above all else, he was devoted to his family. Whether he was consumed by farm duties, providing game strategy (cribbage, hearts, pinochle…), or sharing a quiet moment camping, his love was constant and unwavering.
He is survived by his wife Annetta, four children: Michele (Paul Martin), Colleen (Jodi Johnson), Keri (Derek Fuhlbohm), and Eric (Kate) and grandchildren: Lyle, Eddie, Quinlan, Trevor, Andrew and Jetta, as well as many absorbed sons and daughters of the community made better by his time among us.
