Donald Wayne Wilson's Obituary
Donald Wayne Wilson was blessed with 80 years of life on earth before departing to Heaven on Friday, January 16, 2026. His passing at Hillcrest South in Tulsa, Oklahoma marked the end of his time as a sojourner in this world and the beginning of eternity at Home with Christ.
Don was born on April 13, 1945, in Kingsley, Michigan, where he and his 6 siblings were raised on a dairy farm by their parents Vernon Lee Wilson and Georgetta (Wales) Wilson. Don assumed the responsibilities and duties expected of a dairy farmer’s son, but he much preferred the time he spent indoors baking with his mother. Devoted Christians, his parents raised their children in church. Don’s faith never wavered, and his greatest legacy is sharing this faith with his own 4 children.
Don excelled intellectually and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Grand Valley State University. But his degree was not his only pursuit once he met Jerri Zimmerman and managed to impress her despite his horrible accent in German class. Many study sessions and ping-pong lessons later, they were engaged in 1968 and married on March 22, 1969, in Bangor, Michigan. In accordance with their vows, they remained married for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health until parted by death after 56 years together.
Don and Jerri settled in Ravenna, Michigan to raise their family. Don dedicated his professional career to teaching math at Ravenna High School, and summers were spent painting industrial oil storage tanks. He devoted 30 years to educating his students before retiring in June 1998. In 2013, they left their home of 43 years, relocating to Broken Arrow, Oklahoma to be near family.
From playing sports and card games to rooting on his favorite professional and college teams, Don always enjoyed a good competition. He remained an avid bowler for over 55 years and fittingly sipped many a cappuccino from his “WORLD’S OKAYEST BOWLER” mug. He loved challenging family to a match (or three) of Cribbage or Euchre, inevitably aiming to skunk his opponents. If the Detroit Lions or Detroit Tigers were playing, Don was guaranteed to be sitting opposite the nearest television. He also followed the University of Michigan Wolverines (Go Blue) and the Michigan State Spartans during football season.
With his trusty Kindle never far from reach, Don had a profound appreciation for stories. He occupied countless days absorbed in the settings and scenery of the narratives he read. Classic country music, known for its vivid storytelling, also brought him joy. But the most significant story is the one he heard as a child in Sunday School through his final years on earth as a beloved member of Church on the Move Broken Arrow. Don found meaning in the death and resurrection of Christ, and he now resides with the Author of Life.
Don’s departure created an absence on earth, where he is dearly missed by his family. Don is survived by his wife of 56 years: Jerri; children: Mary Wilson of Sarasota, Donald (Genny) Wilson, Jr., of Green Bay, Ryan (Paula) Wilson of Broken Arrow, and Kara (Craig) Stahl of Broken Arrow; grandchildren: Austen (Rachel) Rozanski, Kelsey (Darion) McClendon, Jenna (Joshua) Corsaro, Rayney Wilson, Wyatt Wilson, and Waylon Wilson; great-granddaughter: Millie McClendon; sisters: Glenda (John) Wallis and Karen (Gene) Cline; twin brother: Ron (Margie) Wilson; and many nieces and nephews.
Don’s departure also started a reunion in Heaven, where he celebrates with his dearly missed family. Don was preceded in death by his parents: Vernon Lee and Georgetta Wilson; and 3 sisters and brothers-in-law: Doris and Larry Rice, Linda and Tom Randall, and Sheila and Dave Taylor.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Church on the Move Broken Arrow: 1205 E Kenosha St, Broken Arrow, OK 74012.
In loving memory of Donald Wayne Wilson, donations can be made to Church on the Move Broken Arrow or John 3:16 Mission.
“And he who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new’” (Revelation 21:5a, ESV).
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