Donald Wilson, Vietnam Veteran, and Purple Heart recipient passed away on July 10th, 2023 at the age of 82 but not without a fight.  His battle with serious medical conditions the past several years showed his courage in facing life challenges with the sense of humor and determination he has displayed his entire life.

Born on January 9th, 1941, Don grew up in White Plains New York where he graduated from White Plains High School.  He continued on to become a graduate of the University of Delaware and went through Fort Benning Officer Candidate School.   Don served his country in Vietnam as a Platoon leader where he was wounded forcing him to return to the United States to recover and rehabilitate at St Alban's Naval Hospital in New York.

During his stay, Don met the love of his life, Beverly Wilson, a navy nurse stationed at St. Alban's. Don's wit and charm captured the heart of Beverly despite his confinement to his hospital bed.  Thereafter he was medically retired as a captain from the army and ready to start a new journey in life with Beverly.

Through this journey, Don and Bev had three children. Kathryn, the oldest, is married to her husband Scott Melzer and has given Don three grandchildren; Benjamin, Lucille and the youngest is Wilson after the family name. Carey, his middle daughter, is married to her husband Jeremy Walling and Brian, the youngest, is married to his wife Erika Wilson. Don's parents, Janet (Schureman) Wilson and John Carey Wilson are deceased as is his sister Jean Thayer.

Following the army, Don entered the Human Resources field working for companies like Hallmark Cards, Rockwell International, Janotta Bray and Associates, and finished his career with his own consulting company.

He loved to spend his retirement years golfing, wining and dining with his friends, spending time with his family, and telling stories of the crazy things his children did while growing up.   Don could fill a room with laughter for the stories that he would tell and always joked that instead of having kids "he could have had a yacht" while the kids would retaliate with "but look at what you got."  Don was a very proud man, proud father and a hero to our country and his family.  It is hard to forget someone that gave us so much to remember.

At Don's request, there will not be a service, but a celebration of life will be hosted by his family on July 20th from 4pm-7pm at Angelo's Ristorante in Elmhurst for those that would like to stop by, pay respects, and share memories of Don.  Anyone unable to attend is encouraged to write or record their memories to share with the family of Donald Wilson. These can be sent to wallingcarey@gmail.com subject: Memories of Donald Wilson.

Don will be laid to rest at Fort Sheridan National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Purple Heart. https://support.purpleheartfoundation.org/give/279468/#!/donation/checkout

Angelo's Ristorante is located at 247 N York St Elmhurst, IL 60126