Donald Fred Wilson

Donald F. Wilson, 90, died peacefully on August 18, 2024 at St. Mary of the Woods, surrounded by family and his devoted wife of 65 years, Jane Edith Tinley Wilson. Donald was a life-long educator and advocate of the teaching profession. Between 1982 and 1988, Donald served as President of the Ohio Education Association (OEA), the largest teachers' union in Ohio. Donald previously served as the President of the National Education Association's (NEA) Association of Classroom Teachers. Donald also served as a delegate to the Democratic National Party Conventions in 1980 and 1984. Prior to his service with the OEA and NEA, Donald taught Social Studies for over 25 years in the Parma Public School System, where he met his fellow teacher and eventual wife, Jane. Donald was born in Parma and attended Parma Public Schools. He graduated with a degree in History from Baldwin Wallace College and a master's degree in political science from Western Reserve University.
He is survived by his wife, Jane, his twin sister, Dolores Strelau, his children Lance (Christine) Wilson of Avon and Neal Wilson, eleven grandchildren, Brittany (Micah McClone), Kyle, Kara (Chris Pickard), Megan (Jason Hunter), Emily, Kamryn, Bryn, Jacob, Michael, Kelly and Sean, and four great grandchildren, Alex, Jaxon, Blaine and Henry. Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Edna Wilson, his sister, Geraldine, his brothers, Ollie, Robert and Thomas, and his son, Glenn (Julia).
A memorial service in Donald's honor will be held at St. Mary of the Woods, Avon, Ohio (35755 Detroit Road) at 2pm on Saturday, August 31, 2024. Donald will be interred at Union Cemetery in Columbus, Ohio. Memorial contributions can be made to the OEA Jean Kershaw Scholarship Fund (https://ohea.org/resources/professional-resources/jean-kershaw-scholarship/) and to Hospice of the Western Reserve (https://p2p.onecause.com/hwrgift/donate).
COOK & SON - PALLAY FUNERAL HOME is serving the family.
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