David Wayne Wilson

David Wayne Wilson (DWW) made his debut in this world on March 4, 1957 in Oklahoma City, OK to Frank Wilson of West Virginia and Rosalie Zaloudik Wilson of Oklahoma. They soon began the nomadic lifestyle of a family in the United States Air Force. The family grew to include David’s two siblings, Frances Wilson Greenwood and John Wilson. These early years of travel and adventure were remembered fondly and served as the foundation for his enthusiasm for different cultures, cuisines, and experiences. This somewhat nomadic lifestyle fueled his gypsy soul.

The family settled in Oklahoma, where David graduated from Del City High School in 1975. He remained in Del City, married his high school sweetheart Donna Tiller, and had two daughters, Amber Wilson Roberts and Shelly Wilson. He was an exemplary father and purposely raised two independent women. Throughout this time he served as surrogate father to his daughter’s friends and was a beloved uncle to his many nieces and nephews. He later shared his love of museums and hiking with his grandson Logan Roberts.

After many years of furthering his education intermittently while working and supporting his family, David completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Administrative Leadership from the University of Oklahoma. It was during this time he met and later married Cathy Horton. His family expanded to include Cathy’s children, TaShauna, Elton Jr., and Patrick, and her grandchildren. The two moved to California, where David had always wanted to live. After several years in California, David and Cathy moved back to Oklahoma to be closer to family.

DWW was known for his love of music and concert going. He was not only a talented guitarist and drummer, but he could pick up almost any musical instrument and manage to play it effectively within minutes. He could be found most nights emulating the likes of Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix. He took requests, notably Stairway to Heaven, which DWW would graciously oblige. He was never one to seek praise, but he did love a little of the limelight. He even wrote and produced his own album.

David’s passion for camping and the outdoors started early in life and continued throughout adulthood. He spent many weekends camping with his friends and family, hiking, fishing, digging for crystals, and even several nights camping in the backyard. He was happy to share any of these experiences with anyone willing to join. He was also an avid cyclist and skier.

David was versatile and had many different jobs early in life, but settled into a career in the energy industry. He started his own company, Outside the Lines, and worked primarily as a mechanical designer. After completing his bachelor’s degree, he worked as a mechanical engineer for a start up solar energy company in California. He found the complexity of solar power fascinating and took great pride on being part of cutting edge technology.

He passed from this life November 24, 2018 after battling multiple sclerosis. Throughout his life, David touched the lives of others in innumerable ways. He was an outstanding son, grandson, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, nephew, husband, cousin and more importantly – a friend to all. David’s smile and zest for life was second to none. His ability to lighten a room, encourage a new perspective, bring clarity to an issue, and encourage exploring boundaries will be missed. He will be missed.

His Celebration of Life service will be Friday, November 30, 2018 at 1:00pm at Choctaw Road Baptist Church, 14971 E. Reno Avenue, Choctaw, OK, 73020. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the National Park System or your local parks would be a fitting tribute.