Donald Merle Wilson was born Oct. 1, 1928, as a premature infant weighing 3 pounds. Miraculously, he survived and thrived. His father, Harvey Wilson, was the first white child to be born (and live) on the Weippe prairie. His mother, Jeanette Wilson (Carr), died when he was 12 years old.
Don grew up in Weippe and in 1953 married the love of his life, Eileen (Phelps). Together they moved to College Place, Wash., where Don graduated from Walla Walla College in 1957. After serving one year as a school principal, Don entered the Gospel Ministry as a Seventh-day Adventist pastor. His lifelong passion was to introduce people to Jesus Christ and to encourage them to accept Jesus as their personal savior.
Don pastored churches in Medford, Ore.; Coquille, Ore.; Bend, Ore.; Bozeman, Mont.; Spokane; Coeur d'Alene; Granger, Wash.; Enterprise, Ore., and also served as an evangelist in many areas of the Northwest, Alaska and Michigan.
Don had a great love for the things of nature and often would say, "Lord, you sure can make it beautiful," as he marveled at nature's wonders. He was instrumental in the founding of two family Christian outdoor clubs.
Before his marriage to Eileen, Don served honorably in the U.S. Army. He served his country in Korea as a member of the 8055 Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (M.A.S.H.), which was the first M.A.S.H. hospital unit to exist. He was always proud of the many lives that he was able to help save.
Upon retirement, Don and Eileen moved to Clarkston to be near family. The last 10 years, Don and Eileen lived in Lewiston, and he was proud to have returned to Idaho.
Don is survived by his wife, Eileen; sister Alice Hueth; sons Steve (Jean), Dan (Sandy) and Marv (Lori); grandchildren Lisa (James), Levi, Mandy, Caitlin, Keelin, Danielle and Matthew; great-granddaughter Lois; and a host of extended family members.
Don invites all of his friends to meet him in heaven.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday in the Clarkston Seventh-day Adventist Church. A hosted reception will follow.
