Donald Lee Wilson

Donald Lee Wilson

March 29, 1941 – July 25, 2022

Survived by his wife Julie, two sons Sean (Kelli) and Brian, two grandchildren Pete and Peri, and his brother Ken (Jeanette).  Don was born and raised in Ottawa, Kansas.  After moving to Lawrence in 1958, he met the single greatest love of his life, Julie.  The two were married in 1962 in Lawrence, Kansas which marked the beginning of their life of unconditional love together with space to grow as individuals while maintaining a closeness that cannot be expressed in words.  In 1965, he graduated from Kansas State University and moved to Omaha, Nebraska which he enjoyed calling home.  Here is where he raised a family of two boys, Sean and Brian, whom he loved and was immensely proud.

He taught in the Council Bluffs Public School District and took an active leadership role in the Council Bluffs Education Association (CBEA).  He retired in 1998 and spent a considerable amount of his free time enjoying nature, photography, travelling, and time with his friends and family.

Don was a man of quiet strength and gentle wit.  His wisdom, friendship, and humor will be missed.  He will always be remembered as a loving husband, proud parent and grandparent, educator, artist, and friend.

Family will be receiving friends on Friday, July 29 from 5pm to 7pm at the West Center Chapel.  Memorials may be directed to friends of Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge where his artwork is on permanent display: Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge, 25542 Highway 159, Forest City, MO  64451.

 

 To see Don’s Loess Bluffs artwork go to; https://omawil.myportfolio.com/home

 

 

13 Comments

  • Cindy Brunson Posted July 26, 2022 5:54 pm

    Words can’t express how sorry I am. He will be greatly missed. ❤️

  • Russell & Sierra Cunningham Posted July 26, 2022 5:55 pm

    I’m sorry for your loss

  • Joan Benson Posted July 26, 2022 8:19 pm

    Dear Julie,
    I have few wise words as I know you must be in shock. I am so thankful for your deep and loving relationship with Don and the beautiful life you lived together. Love, prayers, and hugs, Joan

  • William Forsee Posted July 27, 2022 11:52 am

    Sorry to hear of Don’s passing, I remember all of the ISEA & CBEA meeting we were involved with!

  • Kim Fulcher Posted July 27, 2022 2:49 pm

    Julie,
    I am so very sorry for our loss.
    I am glad we were able to spend a short time together, when you all were here several weeks ago.

    Please,let me know if I can be of any help…or if you just want someone to come hang out with you, I’m the one!

    Love you very much!
    Kim😪

  • Judy Jamison Dubois Posted July 27, 2022 4:29 pm

    I will always be grateful to have rediscovered Don at high school reunions. He had been a childhood playmate and a school/church chum before moving to Lawrence. As a sometime birdwatcher, I marveled at his nature photography, and, as part of an email group, I greatly enjoyed his wit and wisdom. I hope you can take comfort knowing the difference he made in this world.

  • Jean & Joe Fitzgerald Posted July 27, 2022 4:34 pm

    Dear Julie,
    So very sorry to learn of Don’s passing. He leaves a void in all our lives. He also leaves a legacy of great art that never needs an overhanging bough.
    Love to you and all the family,
    Jean & Joe

  • Jim Tornabane Posted July 27, 2022 8:02 pm

    I am saddened by the news of Don’s death. Don was a friend and a mentor to me during the time we spent together at the ALC. We shared strategies as well as some good laughs about dealing with students as well as our own sons. He was intensely proud of his family and of his role as decision maker for Council Bluffs Schools.

  • Dave Kahm Posted July 28, 2022 2:58 pm

    This is sad news Julie; however, I still have fond memories of our association with you and Don when we were young and socialized during his years at Omaha South.

  • Ken Wilson Posted July 28, 2022 3:25 pm

    I knew Don to be a compassionate and thoughtful individual in his approach to life, the people he met and delt with in all aspects of life. If something got challenging, Don was patient in finding a positive solution. He was a sincere, loving husband father and my one and my one and only big brother.
    Having him as companion and example to follow kept me on my toes growing up together.
    Raising his two fine sons, Sean and Brian, is proof enough of Don’s examples and grand standards he held in life.
    He married his high school; love Julie and together sealed a bond of dedicated love, and parenthood to be envied.
    Don’s roll in life will be remembered by all.
    He will continue in Heaven, at the side of God, to continue his expected assignment he had when he was here on earth…to send daily blessings to all his friends and family Blessings and love to you. big brother.
    Ken and wife Jeanette

  • Verna Peterson Posted July 28, 2022 10:38 pm

    Julie and Family,
    I am so sorry for your loss. Don was so very patient with me when he taught computer classes. He was a strong advocate for CBEA menbers and helped many of us!
    Verna Peterson.

  • Verna Peterson Posted July 29, 2022 11:24 am

    I am sorry for your loss. Don was in many ways THE CBEA! He always stood by and supported members. He had a huge amount of patience when he tried to teach me computers!

  • Brenda Jeter Posted July 31, 2022 6:15 pm

    Brian I’m sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. Nothing I can do or say that will make it feel better. Take care

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