Donald Gene Wilson

Donald Gene Wilson, 75, passed away on July 23, 2026, in Mesa, Arizona.

Don was born on September 3, 1950, in Dumas, Texas, to Vaudell and B.V. Wilson. A Texan through and through for much of his early life, he grew up alongside his brother, Lynn, and later attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a degree in Business Management.

Don built a successful career in the grocery industry, beginning with Del Monte and later working as a sales manager for Kraft Foods. His career eventually brought him from Texas to Arizona and later to Washington State before he ultimately returned to Arizona, the place he would call home for the remainder of his life.

More important to Don was his family. He was father to Brian Kyle Wilson, Kimberly Ann Dee, and Christopher Adam Wilson, whom he shared with his former wife of 20 years, Lynda McCray McCaslin. During a time of significant change for their family, Don was a devoted and deeply involved father. His children lived with him at different times in Texas, Arizona and Washington and he worked hard to provide them with stability and comfort.

After returning to Arizona, Don met Carole Anne Wilson. The two fell in love quickly, married, and shared more than 20 years together, first making their home in Ahwatukee and later moving to Prescott in 2021. Carole preceded Don in death in November 2025.

As his family grew, Don became “Papa Don” to his grandchildren, a role he embraced enthusiastically, particularly during their younger years. Always ready with a little teasing and never one to miss an opportunity to entertain himself or the kids, he attempted to rebrand himself as the much cooler sounding “Puff Poppi,” a nickname that became part of the family lore.
Don's family grew to include 11 grandchildren: Kylie Wilson, Jayden Dee, Jacoby Dee, Ellie Wilson, Jagger Dee, Jovie Wilson, Van Wilson, Shelby Wilson, Jason Hall Jr., Kiarra Hall, and Kaley Hall, as well as his great-granddaughter, Olivia Wilson.

While there were seasons of great closeness and seasons of distance over the years, the memories created over a lifetime remain an important part of the family he leaves behind. The homes shared, moves across states, family gatherings, laughter, teasing, trips, childhoods, and years spent as Dad and Papa Don are all part of his story and theirs.

Those who knew Don will also remember a personality that was unmistakably his. He loved to tease, could be exceptionally stubborn, appreciated good food, and had a lifelong fascination with firearms, whether buying them, collecting them, or meticulously cleaning them. He also had a deep love for Africa and was fortunate to make more than one hunting trip there. Those adventures became some of the trips of his lifetime, and the trophies he proudly brought home ensured that the rest of his family got to participate in his enthusiasm for them, whether they shared that enthusiasm or not.

Don's 75 years contained many chapters. Texas, Arizona and Washington were all home at different times. He built a long career, raised three children, shared more than two decades with Carole, became a grandfather and eventually a great-grandfather. His life was filled with both joy and difficulty, closeness and distance, love and loss. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a family whose lives are, in countless ways, part of his story.

Don was preceded in death by his wife, Carole Anne Wilson; his parents, Vaudell and B.V. Wilson; and his brother, Lynn Wilson.

He is survived by his children, Brian Kyle Wilson, Kimberly Ann Dee, and Christopher Adam Wilson; his stepson, Jason Hall; his 11 grandchildren; his great-granddaughter, Olivia; and extended family and friends.
He will be greatly missed and remembered as Dad, Papa Don, husband, friend and, occasionally, Puff Poppi. Loving, teasing, stubborn, independent, and entirely himself.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.