Don Wilson

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Donald Raymond Wilson, Neosho, was born September 15, 1946 to Leo and Eugenia Wilson. He departed this life to his heavenly home on April 7, 2021 at the age of 74, after a long battle with cancer. 

Don accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at a young age and became a member of New Salem Baptist Church on August 2, 1959. At that church was a young lady by the name of Clara Avris Harding. Don and Clara were married there on September 1, 1967 and shared over 53 years of marriage.

Don graduated from Neosho High School in 1964 and served six years in the National Guard. Don was a builder. He worked in construction, built many poultry houses for MOARK Productions, worked in maintenance and remodeling for Cooper Communities in Bella Vista, Arkansas and later did building on his own. He built a house for his parents and also the house where he and Clara have lived and raised their family for the last 45 years. 

Don loved the outdoors. He raised cattle, baled his own hay and for a while, did custom hay baling in addition to his regular job. He also loved to hunt and fish with his children and good friend, Walt. Don included his children in all that he did and instilled in them a love for the outdoors and a good work ethic. His daughter can drive a tractor, shoot a gun, catch a fish and do household repairs right along with the boys. 

Don is survived by his loving wife, Clara; two sons, Douglas Raymond Wilson and Darren Raymond Wilson and one daughter, Drinda Avris Smith; two grandsons, Gavin Smith and Devon Smith; the father of his grandsons, Grant Smith; two brothers, James Wilson and wife, Beverlie and Bob Wilson and wife, Shellie; one sister, Alma Strickland; several nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and his favorite four legged companion, Toby.

Graveside services will be held 10:00 am, Saturday, April 10, 2021 at New Salem Cemetery, Neosho, MO with Pastor Jon LaRosa officiating. The family will have a time of visitation on Friday, April 9, 2021 from 5:00 pm until 6:00 pm at Clark Funeral Home, Neosho, MO. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to New Salem Baptist Church Missions, c/o Clark Funeral Home, PO Box 66; Neosho, MO 64850.