Archie Francis Wilson, 82, was born on Red Lake Indian Reservation in Northwestern Minnesota to John Wilson and Hilma Mostrum. Archie was the 7th of 8 children and had 3 sisters and 4 brothers.  Archie lived on a farm in Red Lake, Minnesota until the age of 18.  He would make a living on the farm growing up by setting traps for muskrats, rabbits and such for eating and selling furs.  He also enjoyed ice fishing.  He loved his Walleye fish.

After Archie turned 18 he joined the Army in 1955.  He did his training at Fort Benning, GA.  From there he went to Fort Leonard, Missouri.  He was shipped on the USNS Geiger to Germany.  He was stationed there for two and a half years.  He returned on the same ship back to the states.  After the Army he went into construction building homes, motels, bridges and dams throughout the United States in his career.

He moved from Bakersfield, CA to Blythe, CA in 1972 to help build the bridge across the Colorado River which is now part of Interstate 10.

Archie worked for the Palo Verde Valley School District for 9 years as a custodian and carpentry worker. He almost lived at the golf course.  Golfing was one of his hobbies.

Archie is preceded in death by his parents, John and Hilma Wilson; son, Russell Wilson, son, Delbert Wilson, stepson, David Bartlett Jr., four brothers and three sisters.

Archie is survived by his wife Vivian Wilson of Blythe, CA for 29 years.; son, Doug Wilson of Rapid City, SD; daughter, Brenda Meron of Boonsboro, Maryland; son, Paul Mitchell of Oklahoma; daughter, Norma Lewis; son, Sam Mitchell, Blythe, CA.; daughter Cindy Jones; 13 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews. His only living sibling is Helen Brozio of Florida.

Archie had many friends in Blythe.  He was a happy guy that loved his beer and friends.

Everybody that knew Archie also knew his sign off.

So 10-4 everyone, until we meet again.