Wilson, David L.'s Obituary
On April 23, 2026, a beloved father, grandfather, and respected community member passed away at the age of 96. Born on March 16, 1930, he lived a long and meaningful life marked by service, hard work, and dedication to his family, community, and friends. A proud Korean War veteran, he served his country honorably in the United States Navy, working in aircraft maintenance, fuel systems, Early Radar Warning systems, and flight engineering. Following his military service, he continued his career in aviation as a flightline supervisor at Douglas Aircraft Company in Tulsa, while also building a life as a rancher, heavy equipment operator, and businessman.
He was a true pioneer in Osage County, contributing significantly to the area's development, and was a friend to all. His work included helping build the Skiatook Lake Dam, Lake Road, and the Tallchief Park area. As a longtime landowner and rancher in Osage County, he donated significant acreage for the development of Skiatook Lake. He was instrumental in the excavation of the Sperry Schools' "Field of Dreams" baseball complex. He served as an original founding board member of the Osage County Rural Water District No. 15, where he generously donated property for the district's first water storage tank. He was known for his strong ethics and commitment to the land. As a local entrepreneur, he founded and owned Tallchief Convenience Store and Boat Storage.
David shared a loving 70-year marriage with his wife, Sara Marie, a testament to enduring love and partnership. Together, they raised a family of five children, who were always the center of their lives.
His surviving children are Cheryl, Larry, Ronny, and Brian, along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will proudly carry on his legacy. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sara Marie Wilson, his parents, David Lucious and Bessie Wilson; a brother, Curtis Wilson; a sister, Lucille Wilde; a beloved daughter, Lee Vertrees, and Lee’s husband, Hugh Vertrees; in addition to a niece, Karen Letherwood; a nephew, Cochise Wilde, among others.
David had invaluable foresight, unwavering integrity, and perseverance. Due to his hard work and generosity, David helped shape many significant projects, which will have a lasting impact on his community, Osage County, and Oklahoma. His remarkable legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
David's Daughter Cheryl wrote five beautiful books about his life and who he was as a person, if you would like to purchase those books to learn more about David, four of them are available on Amazon!
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