Memorial set for ex-Rep. Charlie Wilson, who helped arm Afghans during war against Soviets

Memorial set for former Texas Rep. Charlie Wilson

LUFKIN, Texas — A memorial service for former U.S Rep. Charlie Wilson will be held Sunday in Texas.

Wilson died Wednesday at the age of 76 in the eastern Texas town of Lufkin.

The Gipson Funeral Home says a memorial service will be held Sunday afternoon at the Temple Theater at Angelina College’s Temple Theater in Lufkin.

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

Wilson served in the House from 1973 to 1996. He helped funnel millions of dollars in weapons to Afghan rebels who eventually defeated the Soviet Red Army.

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