Donald Wayne Wilson

Donald Wayne Wilson, a generous, caring, charitable fellow, often donated money in multiples of 18, the Jewish "Chai," as a good omen for life. His giving nature ended too soon, when he passed away from pneumonia complications on September 12, 2015, in Round Rock, Texas, surrounded by his beloved family.

A graveside service was held on September 16 in Austin; Donald's family and friends gathered to share stories and tears as Rabbi Neil Blumofe of Congregation Agudas Achim led a heartwarming, musical service to honor Donald's life.

Though born in New Orleans on May 30, 1944, Donald's family moved to Paris, Texas (not the "good" Paris), where Donald spent his youth. In high school, he was drawn to the inquisitive nature and the logic of Judaism, a choice of faith he lived proudly. So much so, the moniker "SuperJew" was assigned to him.

Donald graduated from the University of Texas in Austin with a Bachelor's degree in Anthropology and a Master's in Social Work. Given his deeply caring nature, the call to social work is not surprising. Besides working many years with Jewish Family Service, both in Austin and Houston, Donald established a private practice, at one time working with cult survivors and later, Russian refugees. He was a "social worker's social worker," deeply admired by his colleagues.

Donald was married to his former spouse, Joanne Larson, for 16 years. They raised son Louis Wilson and daughter Phylis Gage. Phylis and husband Joe Gage gave Donald a precious granddaughter, Sydney, whom Donald loved "to the moon and back."

Nearly 36 years ago, Donald met Ken Hansen in an Austin bar. Ken was drawn to Donald's striking beard and walked over to introduce himself. They chatted for a bit; Ken mentioned he was headed to another bar, and the conversation ended. Later that night, Donald found him again, they chatted for an hour, and the first date was set. Within a few months of that meeting, the Iran hostage crisis unfolded. Local celebrity Jerry Jeff Walker vowed not to drink alchohol until the hostages were released; Ken and Donald vowed not to split up until the release. 444 days later, the world saw the release of those American diplomats and citizens, and the bond between Ken and Donald was cemented. They were married according to the law in Dubuque, Iowa in 2013. They were married in spirit three decades ahead of that. They never began a day, ended an evening, a call or a message without saying "I love you."

Outside of his social work, Donald enjoyed many simple pleasures. He was an accomplished musician, playing bassoon in symphonic bands. His talent was recognized by UT when they offered him a music scholarship; but it was declined to pursue other interests. He attacked various hobbies with a laser focus and a joyful immersion: organizing his stamp collection with tweezers; carefully working his needlepoint; dabbling as an artist; strictly observing the practice of veganism; and following recipes with exquisite precision as he prepared meals for family.

About those meals . . . Friday night Shabbat dinners at Donald and Ken's house were customary. The family were sure to enjoy good company and the possibility of tasty vegan offerings. Seldom were they disappointed. Son-in-law Joey was often admonished to refrain from fart jokes at the table, as Donald's finer sensibilities were the model of behavior.

Donald described himself as "pug-faced," rarely showing a smile, though his heart might be beaming. From a journal entry titled "What Makes You Smile?" Donald noted that music warmed his heart, and the antics of the real pug faces, Scarbo and Ondine, often brought smiles and chortles.

Not long before his death, Donald told of an expansive dream. He envisioned himself and Ken in a remote area of vast acreage. With unlimited resources, they could adopt animals from rescue organizations and shelters worldwide. This dream speaks to the profoundly giving nature of Donald. As the family notes, he was "the best guy ever." Smart and insightful without being judgmental; caring and helpful, without being smothering; a mensch whom you trusted implicitly.

A memorial service to celebrate Donald's life and his commitment to family, Judaism and the profession of social work will be held in Houston on Sunday, November 1, at 2:00 p.m. at the Merfish Teen Center, 9000 S. Rice Avenue, Houston 77096. If you wish to speak about Donald at the service or have any questions, please contact Mary Jean Weston at [email protected].

In lieu of flowers, please donate to an animal shelter or rescue organization in Donald's name or to Jewish Family Service in Houston; and make it a multiple of 18 as a good omen of life.