Zane was a very fine person. A real conservative that myself and many others could really relate to. A war hero, historian, and gentleman that will be missed by all that had the opportunity and pleasure to know him.
During the robbery in his store, Zane was able to shoot at least one of his killers. This led to evidence and the capture of 3 men and, so far, has solved 3 murder cases. There is no way of knowing how many other murder cases Zane has prevented from occurring by his courageous actions.
Mr. Wilson was very excited about the law that was passed on January 8, 2004 that permits Ohio's law abiding citizens to be licensed to carry concealed weapons. The effective date of this new law is April 7, 2004. He heartily encouraged all law abiding Ohioans to exercise their newly bestowed Ohio gun rights for the purpose of facing ever increasing and unchecked violence each and every day for protecting both themselves and their families.
Zane had over 4,000 guns in his store; mostly used and antique guns. He had everything from matchlocks to wheellocks to flintlocks to percussions to pinfires to rimfires to centerfires in blunderbusses, shotguns, rifles, drillings, and handguns. His wife of 53 years collects Deringers. I bought a nice double barrel Damascus side hammer shotgun from him for $100.00 about a year before he was shot.
He was 78 years old and was ready to take on the world for a second round. He gave this update on his web site just one month before he was murdered:
SITE NEWS: 01-29-04 - NEW$ FLA$H: Due to various health problems that I've encountered over the last couple of years, I haven't had a chance to keep this web site inventory as current as I would like. While many of you have still found what you're looking for by calling me on the phone, I'm happy to report that I'm healthy and hale again, and we're planning on updating the inventory listings here in the next several weeks. Please check back for the new items that we will be adding - Zane
WILSON Zane R. Wilson, 78, died on February 27, 2004. He served proudly in the U.S. Navy during WWII aboard the battleship U.S.S. Nevada (BB-36). In the firearms business since 1945, he was the owner of Zanes Gun Rack, in it's current location since 1959. He was a life member of the National Rifle Association, Guild Athletic Club, FlyTown Club, Co-founder and member of the Italian American War Vets (ITAM) Emilio Marasco Post 35, and several other clubs and organizations. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Nicki Wilson; his son, Roc (Judy) Wilson; and many devoted and loving nieces and nephews; and a multitude of close friends and acquaintances. Family will recieve friends on Wednesday, March 3, 2004 at the JOHN QUINT FUNERAL HOME,1177 West Fifth Avenue from 4-7:30 p.m. with a memorial service to follow at 7:30 p.m. Burial will take place at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 4, 2004 in the Union Cemetery, 3349 Olentangy River Road. In Lieu of flowers, friends who wish may contribute, in Zane's memory, to Ohioans for Concealed Carry, P.O. Box 25488, Cleveland, OH 44125. Condolences may be sent to www.johnquint.com.
