Obituary for Donald Kenneth Wilson
Donald K. Wilson, Captain USN (ret.), passed away on December 4, 2023 in Lexington, KY. He was 93 years old.
Born in Danville, IL on June 5, 1930, he and his twin brother Harold were the sons of Harold and Irene Bell Wilson.
Don attended the University of Illinois, graduating with the class of ’52. While there, he was the Battalion Commander of the NROTC unit and captain of the pistol team. Upon graduating, he was commissioned a Navy ensign.
Don spent the next year on the destroyer USS Brown off the coast of Korea during the war. Prior to reporting to Pensacola, FL for flight training, Don married his college sweetheart, Nancy Bach.
After receiving his Wings of Gold in 1954, Don flew fighter jets off of a number of aircraft carriers. Over his 30-year career, he served in and commanded fighter squadrons and shore commands.
Upon retirement, Don and Nancy moved to northern VA, where they were very active in genealogy. Don was an early developer and user of the computer in genealogical research. For his work and services, Don was named a Fellow of the National Genealogical Society.
Pre-deceased by his wife Nancy and daughter Judy Wilson Monzella; Don is survived by his daughter Deborah (Daniel) O’Brien; son, Ken (Beth) Wilson; grandchildren, Jennifer (Cory) Brown, Rebecca O’Brien, Sarah O’Brien, Michael (Glenna) Monzella, Kelley Monzella, Bradley Stinnett, John Michael Rainey, Ryan Wilson, Hope Wilson; brother, Arnold (Carol) Wilson; sister-in-law, Jane Wilson; and son-in-law, Paul Monzella.
Services and interment (at Arlington National Cemetery) are pending. View and sign the guest book www.warefuneralhome.com.
Born in Danville, IL on June 5, 1930, he and his twin brother Harold were the sons of Harold and Irene Bell Wilson.
Don attended the University of Illinois, graduating with the class of ’52. While there, he was the Battalion Commander of the NROTC unit and captain of the pistol team. Upon graduating, he was commissioned a Navy ensign.
Don spent the next year on the destroyer USS Brown off the coast of Korea during the war. Prior to reporting to Pensacola, FL for flight training, Don married his college sweetheart, Nancy Bach.
After receiving his Wings of Gold in 1954, Don flew fighter jets off of a number of aircraft carriers. Over his 30-year career, he served in and commanded fighter squadrons and shore commands.
Upon retirement, Don and Nancy moved to northern VA, where they were very active in genealogy. Don was an early developer and user of the computer in genealogical research. For his work and services, Don was named a Fellow of the National Genealogical Society.
Pre-deceased by his wife Nancy and daughter Judy Wilson Monzella; Don is survived by his daughter Deborah (Daniel) O’Brien; son, Ken (Beth) Wilson; grandchildren, Jennifer (Cory) Brown, Rebecca O’Brien, Sarah O’Brien, Michael (Glenna) Monzella, Kelley Monzella, Bradley Stinnett, John Michael Rainey, Ryan Wilson, Hope Wilson; brother, Arnold (Carol) Wilson; sister-in-law, Jane Wilson; and son-in-law, Paul Monzella.
Services and interment (at Arlington National Cemetery) are pending. View and sign the guest book www.warefuneralhome.com.