It's generally considered impolite or even rude to wish the worst for somebody. But when that somebody has been convicted of a senseless, cold-blooded murder, it's difficult to fault family members for any such feelings.

When Kenneth Eugene Wilson was sentenced last week in the Osborne County Courthouse for the 2008 murder of Jeffery Scott Noel, he heard from Noel's widow, Carol.

"You destroyed my life and the lifestyle I had. I hope you feel pain that never goes away," was the parting shot from Carol Noel. Her daughter, Megan Hild, actually read the prepared statement to a silent Wilson.

The judge, in delivering the 63-year sentence, was equally direct.

"You are a plague on society and need to be removed," said District Judge William B. Elliott. "You can't be rehabilitated."

Wilson will not be eligible for parole for a minimum of 50 years.

We have to agree that confinement until he's at least 95 years old is appropriate punishment for the horrendous crime he committed. His execution-style killing of the Portis farmer devastated the Noel family -- and caused more than just a little unsettled feeling in the usually peaceful Osborne County.

There was no forgiveness in the courthouse Tuesday.

Judge Elliott even said: "I'm not here to grant you salvation, but punish you for the offense you committed."

Forgiveness likely only will come from a much-higher power -- at a much-later date. If then.

We can't blame the family for being angry about their loss. While it couldn't have been avoided, it certainly wasn't anything they deserved. We offer nothing but sympathy to all of Jeffery Scott Noel's surviving family, friends and neighbors.

There is no satisfaction gained by his killer receiving a "hard 50" sentence, for nothing will bring back the husband, father and friend.

But there also is no shame in expressing anger at this point. Wilson is deserving of the survivors' wrath. We're just glad he was caught and convicted.

Editorial by Patrick Lowry

plowry@dailynews.net