Donald Charles Wilson
PHOENIX – Donald Charles Wilson, 84, passed away on November 13, 2018, at Brookdale Desert Ridge Assisted Living in Phoenix, AZ.
He leaves behind his son, Don and wife Diana, son, Derrick and wife Rhonda, and daughter, Julie Schwartz and husband Steve, 6 grandchildren, Jason Wilson (Jessica Dunham), Joshua Wilson, Stewart Wilson, Tiffany (Wilson) Colburn (Bryce), Jennifer Schwartz and Michael Schwartz, along with 2 great grandchildren, Ava Lily and Nathan Joshua. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 51 years, Joan Marie (Kleinschmidt) Wilson.
Don also leaves behind his sister, Sally Mimms, of Visalia, CA and brother, Dave Wilson, of Arcadia, CA, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He will be missed by many and forever be in our hearts.
Don was born to Edward Adam Wilson and Ruth Teasdale (Wilson) Haggard on April 15, 1934 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
His family moved to Chandler, AZ when he was 10 years old. Don was an active member of Boy Scout Troop #81 in Chandler, AZ, where he earned the highest rank: Eagle Scout, with Bronze, Gold, and Silver Palms. He graduated from Chandler High School in 1952 and attended Arizona State College (later named Arizona State University), where he received a Civil Engineering Degree in 1956. While attending Arizona State Don was an active member of Sigma Nu. Upon graduation, Don went to work for Del E Webb Construction, where he worked his entire career in the commercial division. He worked on many projects, such as Christown Mall, Boy Hope Girls Hope of Arizona, Horizon High School, and many projects in Arizona, California, and Nevada.
Don enjoyed hunting, fishing, and the outdoors. He enjoyed traveling and most recently had the chance to go to Hawaii, to complete his travels of all 50 states. He looked forward to family gatherings, from birthday parties to Christmas, and truly loved the fellowship of all his family.
In lieu of flowers the family is asking donations to be made in his name to the Boy Scouts of America, Grand Canyon Council or Girl Scouts of America, Arizona Cactus Pine Council. Both of these organizations brought him many joys and happy memories. He would be happy to know that through your kind donation a young boy or girl would be able to attend summer camp.
Visitation, with viewing, will be held 2 hours before the service at Greenwood Memory Lawn, in the Serenity Chapel, located at 719 N 27th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85009 (602-272-5639). Visitation with viewing will be on Wednesday, November 21, 2018 from 11:00am – 1:00pm. The service, officiated by Reverend Joel Bjerkestrand, will take place at 1:00pm with graveside service immediately following. Don will be laid to rest beside his Mother and Step-Father.
In lieu of a lunchon the family has made a donation in their father’s memory to St. Vincent DePaul. With the holidays upon us and so many hungry people, the family feels the donation to feed those who are unable to provide for themselves is fitting during this time of “Thankfulness”.