Donald L. Wilson

Donald L. Wilson, 95, of rural Dickens, passed away on November 23, 2015. Donald was born on July 26, 1920, in Freeman Township, Iowa, the son of Roy and Katie Wilson. He married Stella King on July 11, 1944. After attending a rural school, Donald began farming south of Dickens. He worked side by side with his father and his brother, Eddie, and later with his son, Wayne. Donald stayed actively involved in the farm operations until well into his 90's, and he and Stella lived on their farm for over 70 years. In addition to his farm operation, Donald carried on the family tradition of running Wilson Trucking and Shelling for many years. From 1915 to 1994, the Wilson family shelled thousands of bushels of corn for friends and neighbors. He also served on the Board of the Dickens Cooperative Elevator for several years. Donald enjoyed meeting his friends for coffee at the Dickens Elevator and later at HyVee or the American Classic Cafe'. He enjoyed spending time with his family, his children and grandchildren, and longtime friends and neighbors. For over 50 years, until age forced the group to disband, he and Stella spent nearly every Saturday night out with good friends. He loved red trucks, chocolate candy, and penny slot machines. Most of all he loved his family. He was a devoted husband and father. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 71 years, Stella; his son, Wayne Wilson of Dickens; his daughter Marilyn Wilson of Fresno, CA; and his daughter Dorothy and son-in-law Larry Dowell of Lakewood, IL. He is also survived by four grandsons ('the boys') who brought him immense joy throughout his life: Chad Binder and his wife, DeAnna, of San Antonio, TX; Todd Binder and his wife, Meredith, of Bethel, CT; Grant Binder and his wife, Elizabeth, of Brooklyn, NY; and Ross Binder of Minneapolis, MN. He also leaves behind six great-grandchildren: Lucas and Calum Binder of CT; Carmen and Cole Binder of TX; and Hudson and Willa Binder of NY; three step-grandchildren: Sheryl Mark (FL), Brent Dowell (NV) and Greg Dowell (IL); and three step great-grandchildren: Zoe, Sophie and Trevor Dowell (IL). He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Eddie, and many other close family members and friends.

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