Dave Wilson

Dave was born on Monday, August 15, 1955, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, to Thomas (Tom) Edward Wilson and Raymonde “RayRay” Wilson (Vandorpe). Because his father served in the United States Air Force, Dave spent much of his childhood traveling the world. Of all the places he lived, the stories he told most often and most fondly were of the family’s time in Germany. Dave attended Hulbert High School, graduating with the Class of 1974. A hard worker from the very beginning, he started working at just 12 years old and never stopped. His work ethic became one of the defining traits of his life. He met the love of his life, Patricia “Trisha” Wilson, in a moment that became family legend—racing each other downtown in his 1970 gold Mustang. Dave and Trisha were married on September 25, 1976, and shared 49 years of marriage and over 50 years together, building a life rooted in devotion, laughter, and loyalty. Dave’s greatest priority was always his wife, Patricia, and his life was marked by quiet service, kindness, and steadfast love.

Dave dedicated 36 years of service to the Hulbert Post Office, earning a reputation for excellence, reliability, and care for everyone on his mail route. He maintained a perfect driving record, often traveling more than 100 miles a day. Dave worked six days a week and never took a day off except for required federal holidays. Rain, sleet, shine, or even tornadoes did not stop him—he delivered the mail no matter what, always putting others first. He reluctantly retired on September 30, 2017, and worked his final shift for the United States Postal Service on December 31, 2017.

Though Dave and Patricia had no children of their own, their hearts were full. They cherished their many beloved family pets over the years, including Poco, Sheeba, Goosebuster, Misty, Lucy, Bud, and MaggieMae. They were also blessed with a Goddaughter, Kadesha Phillips of Tahlequah, who held a very special place in Dave’s life.

In his downtime, Dave enjoyed simple pleasures: taking his daily walkabouts in the yard, keeping his yard meticulously maintained, cooking and barbecuing for friends and family, playing dominoes or cards, traveling, and spending time outdoors. He loved listening to music, tinkering on his work trucks, and relaxing while watching WWE or the Western Channel.

Dave is survived by his wife, Patricia Wilson; his Goddaughter, Kadesha Phillips of Tahlequah; grandchildren KrisiMae O’Kelly, Brycen O’Kelly, Madasyn O’Kelly, Kashton O’Kelly, Jaymeson Phillips, and Anthony Philpott, all of Tahlequah; one godson, Jonathon Philpott, and many lifelong friends, including Peggy Philpott, Mike Kirkpatrick, Kenny Blackbird, and Roy Caviness. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and RayRay Wilson of Hulbert, Oklahoma, and by lifelong friends Melvina “Annie” Phillips, Jesse Philpott, and Lloyd Boston.

Dave Walter Wilson will be remembered as a devoted husband, a loyal friend, a tireless worker, and a man who quietly but profoundly made the lives of those around him better. His legacy lives on in the love he gave and the example he set.