Don Henry Wilson

Don Henry Wilson, son of the late Otho and Charolette (Dennis) Wilson, was born February 3, 1957, in Joplin, Missouri, and departed this life unexpectedly after a cardiac medical event on April 26, 2025, at his home in Mansfield, Missouri, at the age of 68 years, 2 months, and 23 days.

Don graduated from Ava High School with the class of 1975. Don’s life quickly took shape, and on November 5, 1976, he was united in marriage to Karen Moody. Not long after their marriage Don began to work for his father-in-law at the rock quarry. This would soon become, not only a working relationship/partnership between a son-in-law and father-in-law, but it would develop into a close bond and friendship. As a certified blaster and co-owner of the rock quarry, he mastered every aspect of its operation; there was nothing that he could not do. Throughout much of his life, Don also farmed and worked in construction.

In his spare time, Don enjoyed bowling, fishing and hunting. He also enjoyed building and flying RC planes. He took great pride and joy in his red Cadillac, which he actively used for AutoCross Racing. He was a member of the Ozark Mountain Region Sports Car Club of America. He enjoyed traveling around the area participating in different events and showing off his car. Don had a special way with animals, even gaining the love of the “evil cat” Achmed and his dog Scooby. Don was a man of faith and was a firm believer that God had a plan for everything. He enjoyed going on Sunday drives with his wife Karen. Don was a caring man who loved his family deeply, and his greatest joy was being a husband, father, grandfather and uncle.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Otho and Charolette Wilson; one brother, Carl Wilson; and his mother-in-law, Esta Moody.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Wilson of the home; his father-in-law, Wayne Moody and his wife, Dorthy, of Seymour, Missouri; two children, Don Wayne Wilson and his wife, Cindy, of Mansfield, Missouri, and Crystal Ward and her husband, Aaron, of Kirbyville, Missouri; one brother, James Wilson and his wife, Virginia, of Ava, Missouri; one sister, Susie Thieman and her husband, Jerry, of Springfield, Missouri; two brothers-in-law, Lesley Moody and his wife, Kelly, and Norman Moody and his wife, Rebecca, all of Mansfield, Missouri, one sister-in-law, Edna Wilson, of Asbury, Missouri; two grandchildren, Shaely and Colton, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Don was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. His presence will be missed at the rock quarry and he will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.