Donald “Don” Eugene Wilson, 85, of Beloit, WI, died on Friday, May 10, 2019 in his home. He was born on December 1, 1933 in Beloit, Wisconsin. He was the seventh child of Robert and Inez Wilson.
The Wilson Family were all life-long members at Emmanuel Baptist Church in their beloved city. Don attended Beloit schools; Burdge Elementary, Lincoln Junior High and Beloit Memorial High School. Don was an excellent scholar and enjoyed learning new concepts.
He was also a talented athlete, with letters in varsity football. The proud graduate marched across the stage in 1953. A short time later, Don enlisted in the United States Army where he was given the nickname “Doone”.
His servant’s heart was revealed during this term of servitude, and he was always prepared to assist his fellow soldiers. Don earned the rank of Corporal and was honorably discharged in February 1955. In 1959, Don married the love of his life, Ruth Ann Davis.
She predeceased him on April 2, 2017. Don was also predeceased by his parents, son Clinton, grandson Dante, great-grandson Jared II, siblings John Earl, Ernestine Cain, Lois Buggs Hobson, Dorothy Wofford, Blanche Callaway, Robert Jr., Richard and Elaine Arnold. In addition to being a devoted family man, Don balanced his time with a busy career.
He worked for 19 years at Beloit Memorial Hospital as a maintenance worker and was promoted to Supervisor of the Maintenance Department at the Beloit Clinic, serving for 22 years. Don’s big smile, friendly nature, warm personality, overflowing kindness and infinite integrity also served him well as a Volunteer Youth Leader, Cub Master, Boy Scout Master and Football Coach, Tutorials in Math at Gaston Elementary School, and Lunch and Learning at Beloit Memorial High School. Don was proud to be a dedicated pillar in civic, community and social organizations.
He received a multitude of awards and accolades for his compassion to any task. These included membership and performance as the last presiding President of the Quest Club, Membership on the Board of Directors of Fairbanks Flats, Membership on the Angel Museum Board of Directors, Membership on the Evenings Lions Club and Member of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (R.S.V.P. ).
Donald leaves to continue his legacy, his daughter Karen, son Gregory (Randi), son Kerwin (Vickie), nine grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, brother-in-law George D. Arnold, a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and a very special companion, Betty Holloway. Funeral services will be at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, May 17, 2019 in Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1151 Dr. Floyd Prude Jr. (East Grand) Ave. , Beloit, WI, with Minister Kimberly Inez Arnold officiating.
Burial will be in East Lawn Cemetery with military honors accorded by the V.F.W. Mead-Allen Post #2306. Visitation of remembrance will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service Friday in the church. Daley Murphy Wisch & Associates Funeral Home and Crematorium, 2355 Cranston Rd.
, Beloit, WI, assisted the family with arrangements. Memorials may be given in his name to Beloit Regional Hospice. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.
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