Donald Eugene Wilson

Donald Eugene Wilson, 83 of Calimesa, California, passed away on Friday, May 7, 2021, at home surrounded by family. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on November 14, 1937. Don was the son of the late Donald and Frances Wilson and was preceded in death by his first wife Mary of 44 years. He met his second wife, Susan, 11 years later on the dance floor.

After graduating from high school Don joined the Navy. His specialty was pipe fitter. He served on the battleship USS Iowa BB-61 and when the ship was retired he served on the cruiser USS Canberra CA-70. He was proud of his service years and continued with donations to the USS Iowa when it became a museum located in San Pedro, CA.

Don was a member and served as co-captain of an Honor Guard team at Riverside National Cemetery for several years. He enjoyed dancing and was an avid line dancer. He traveled near and far with his wife, Susan, to attend dance rallies. He enjoyed helping others and volunteered in whatever capacity was needed. Together they enjoyed family gatherings, dancing, traveling, and taking cruises.

He was proud of his 40 year career as a vending route salesman and beer delivery driver for Coors and Budweiser. Not one to sit idle, Don was a “man on the go.” He enjoyed playing softball, league bowling, and watching football - usually with a cold brew. Don and Mary loved spending summer days BBQing by the pool with their growing family through the years. They would often attend their kids’, grandkids’ and great grandkids’ sporting events and school performances. Above all, Don loved people and had many friendships during his wonderful years.

Don was a kind and loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his wife Susan, sons John Wilson (Maria); Don Wilson (Jaime); daughters Nancy Mafrici and Donna Hodges (Alan); step children Jeremy, Lora and Linda; sister Patricia Kovanich (Mike); grandchildren Kortney, David, Christina, Jennifer, Joseph, Shawn, Ryan, and Kylie; great grandchildren Jayce, Kenzy, Gwen, and Rydley; step grandchildren David, Samantha, Kristina, Olivia and Alexis; step great grandchildren Alexis Nicole, Martin, Brooklyn, Chance and another due in August.

A memorial service will be on June 3, 2021 at Miller-Jones Mortuary, 1501 W. Florida Ave, Hemet, CA 92543 at 10:00AM - 11:00AM followed by a graveside service with military honors at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92518 at 12:00PM. Don had requested “no black” for his services.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation at www.curemeso.org

Or to the refurbishment of the battleship USS Iowa at www.pacificbattleship.com

A livestream link below is made available for the service to be viewed on June 3 and after.

https://vimeo.com/547194512/b752b1bb69

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.miller-jones.com