Donald Richard Wilson

Donald R. Wilson passed away at his home in Phoenix, Arizona on October 6, 2022, surrounded by his beloved wife, Cheri, sons CJ and Donny, daughter Michele Coss, mother in law Sharon, and close family.

Don was born in Chicago, Illinois on June 17,1937, and was raised in Lincoln, Nebraska. The definition of a self made man, Don worked his way through undergraduate and law school at the University of Nebraska, where he served as the executive editor of the Nebraska Law Review. He moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1960, having been chosen to clerk for the Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court, Fred C. Struckmeyer.

Don eventually formed his own law firm, Struckmeyer and Wilson, which he maintained until his retirement. He was a fierce litigator and loved the courtroom, where he tried over 600 jury trials, and was counsel in numerous published appellate court decisions. He was a past president of the Phoenix Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates and long-serving national board member of ABOTA. He was known to “hold court” in his office at 910 E Osborn, while reclining in his chair, providing invaluable insights to the numerous attorneys that he mentored over his 50 year legal career.

While his legal career was a love for him, he found true love in his wife of 26 years, Cheri Wilson. Don lived a very full life. He was a boxing manager, owned a boat yard and bar, traveled the world, was a member and lifelong fan of the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team, and coached Pop-Warner football for many years. He particularly loved playing golf, horse racing, the White Mountain Country Club, Maui, and Coronado Island, where he spent his last many summers, strolling the boardwalk with his wife Cheri, son CJ, and the dog he loved with all of his heart, Waylon.

Don will be greatly missed and forever remembered by his family and friends.