Memorial Service Set for Rep. Charlie Wilson

LUFKIN, Texas (AP) _ A memorial service for former U.S Rep. Charlie Wilson has been scheduled.

The fun-loving longtime congressman from the Texas 2nd Congressional District helped funnel millions of dollars in weapons to Afghanistan rebels who eventually defeated the Soviet Red Army.

The office manager for Gipson Funeral Home says a memorial service will be held Sunday afternoon at the Temple Theater at Angelina College in Lufkin for Wilson, who served in the House from 1973 to 1996.

Wilson will receive a Feb. 23 graveside service with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.

Wilson’s efforts to help the Afghan rebels — as well as his partying ways — were portrayed in the movie and book “Charlie Wilson’s War.”

He died Wednesday at the age of 76 in Lufkin.

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