Don Wilson

Don Howard Wilson- Age 78 of Lake Havasu City, AZ, went home to our Lord- Wednesday, September 25, 2024.

Don was a Beloved Husband, Devoted Father and Loyal Friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Don Howard was born in Estherville, Iowa March 25,1946 where he spent his formative years as the younger sibling. He and his family moved to Santa Ana, CA around age 6. He started working at a young age. Throughout all his careers, he was known for his hard work, dedication and passion for helping others. He started several businesses and was self-employed most of his adult life. In 2002, Don and several other licensed contractors facilitated the creation of The Academy of Building Industries Charter High School in Fort Mohave, AZ. It was opened in 2004.

He served our country in the Army from 1963-1966. Don joined and served at several of the VFW posts over the years and has made many friends. In the 80’s, He shared some military experiences with children at the Jr and Sr High School level about being patriotic Americans. He worked on the New Veteran Center in Northern WI for several weekends. He participated in many military parades and functions.

Don met Karen in 1977 at a Piano Club and Married January 13,1979 in a blizzard. Every 5 years, he would propose to her, then they renewed their vows. He was a beloved Husband. Don was loving, caring and always put Karen first. He was her best friend and soul mate. They dreamed, planned, cuddled, cooked, laughed, traveled and experienced so much life together. His greatest joy was raising a blended family of 7 children with her, having grandchildren and great grandchildren. The word “Step” was not allowed in our family or to be spoken. He loved each member of our family equally.

More than anything, Don was a Devoted Family man. He loved spending time with his family, sharing stories & memories, playing cards, laughing and pulling pranks. His nickname “Bull” was no accident. His favorite sayings were “Don’t get mad, get even”, and “A bowl of Ice Cream is always the best medicine”. The Christmas season was his favorite. He delighted in taking on the role of Santa. As he aged, he really started to look like the old man in the red suit, with a silver beard. Together they have acquired over 1000+ pieces of Christmas Santa memorabilia- Ornaments, figurines and the like. over the years.

Don lived his life to the fullest. He loved to live on the edge, jumping out of planes, driving fast and living large. He was kind and generous and made friends easily. He hosted neighborhood block parties, where he would roast an entire pig. He belonged to a snowmobile club and loved to ride the trails in the winter. Don was a talented and creative Carpenter. He remodeled their home in Green Bay, WI and built a home in Hudson, WI. He also enjoyed woodworking and created shelves and furniture.

Don was an active member of the church. He shared his love of Jesus and faith by supporting the Jr and Sr High Youth as a mentor and leader. He taught Sunday School, chaperoned many retreats and other activities. He became a trustee of several of the United Methodist Churches he joined over the years. Don studied and became a Stephen Minister. He visited and administered communion to members who were shut in or in the hospital. He always lent a kind ear to listen to people.

Don is survived by his sister Joanne Deacon, Brother-in-Law (Jack Deacon). Nephew-Kevin Deacon, Niece-Lisa Atkins and (David Atkins), Great Neice-Hayla Atkins, Great Nephew Evan Atkins, Great Nephew Alexander Blakeman

Don is survived by his wife of 46 years- Karen Alice (Worthington, McCaul) Wilson and 5 of the 7 children, 26 of the 27 Grandchildren, 15 Great Grandchildren, as well as 2 Sister-in-Laws and 1 Brother-in-Law, Nieces and Nephews.

Grandchildren: Jakob Wilson, Ford Hawkinson and (Kaitlyn Hawkinson), Elaine DeMoulin and (Zach DeMoulin), Mia Wilson, Sofia Wilson, Wesley Wilson

Daughter- Bethany Dawn Wilson-Caballero and (Michael Caballero)
Grandchildren: Krystin Lambert
Grandchildren: Kyla Wilson and (Jake Wilson) Great Grandchildren: Kenzie Wilson, Eden Wilson, Saylor Wilson
Grandchildren: Logan Crain and (Hailey Crain)
Grandchildren: Gavin Fields, Michael Caballero Jr, Sky Jensen. Great Grandaughter- Laya Jensen.

Daughter- Michelle Olson and (Cody Olson)
Grandchildren: Danielle Olson and (Joshua Hurtado) Great granddaughter: Leela Hurtado, Grandchildren: Ashley Olson and (John Sandez), Great Grandchildren: Aiden Sandez, Jason Sandez, Delilah Sandez,
Grandchildren: Kristen Meier and (Justin Meier)

Daughter- Lisa McCaul and (Todd Whitney)
Grandchildren: Great grandchildren: Emma McCaul, Teagan McCaul
Grandchildren: Christopher Whitney, Great Grandchildren: Chance Whitney, Memrie Whitney

Son- James AM Wilson and (Deloris Wilson)
Grandchildren: Rebekah Toombs and (Blake Toombs), Donna Karen Wilson.
Great Grandchildren: Jacob Toombs, Emberly Toombs, Henry James Toombs, William Howard Toombs
Son- David RM Wilson and (Theresa Wilson)
Grandchildren: Hannah Wilson and (August Braatz)
Grandchildren: Amanda "Rue" Wilson

Sister-in-Law- Susan Worthington and (Chuck), Niece- April Worthington, Great Niece- Amanda Smith-Jenquin and (Ryan Jenquin), Great Neice- Kayla Smith, Niece- Rachel Rheme, Joey Rheme, Jimmy Rheme and great nieces- Lexie, Talia and Emma.

Sister-in-Law Bonnie Cuffie, Nephew- Sheldon Cuffie and (Celeste Cuffie) great niece- Allysa and Great Nephew- Zach Cuffie, Niece Rachel Cuffie and great nieces/nephews.

Brother-in-Law Charles Worthington, (Judith Dale) Nephew- Robert Worthington and (Jessie Worthington)
Nieces, Alissa Worthington and Isabella Worthington

Don is preceded in death by his parents: his parents William Howard (Red) and Shirley Wilson, his 1st Son- William Clifford Wilson, 2nd Son- Paul Howard Wilson, Grandson- Chad William McCaul and his Niece Terri Blakeman and (Richard Blakeman).

Please join us as we Celebrate the life of Don H Wilson Saturday November 2, 2024, at 2pm at St Michael’s United Methodist Church. 2895 Jamaica Blvd Lake Havasu City, AZ 86406.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Michael’s Methodist Church, Lake Havasu City, AZ in Don’s memory.