Donald J. Wilson, age 80, passed away Wednesday, October 28, 2009 from complications following surgery. He was born on December 25, 1928, in Rako, MN to Jay and Sadie Wilson.

Don is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, CeCe and Roger Young of Orcutt; sons and daughters-in-law Ron and Wendy Wilson of San Marcos, CA and Rob and Yajaira Wilson of Washington, DC; and daughter Letisha of Lompoc, along with 10 grandchildren
and 3 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Betsy, his parents, his brothers Ivan, Richard, Jim, Robert, and Buck, and sisters Mary, Blanche, and Myrtle. His surviving younger brother Andy lives in Alaska and Oregon.

Don enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1947, earned his high school diploma from Camp Lejeune High School in North Carolina and later served in the Merchant Marines. After marrying Betsy in 1953, he worked for the Homestake Gold Mine in Lead, SD; Philco in Pascoe, WA; Port St Joe, FL; and El Paso, TX; and settled in Lompoc in 1960 where he worked for Federal Electric Corp until retiring in 1986. He was active in La Purisima Catholic Church and School, Knights of Columbus, Elks, and American Legion.

An avid fisherman, he and Betsy enjoyed their summers in Northern Minnesota since retiring.

The visitation will be held from
6-7 pm on Thursday, November 5 and a rosary will be recited at 7:00 pm. The funeral will be held at La Purisima Catholic Church on Friday November 6 at 10:00 am. Memorial contributions can be made to La Purisima Catholic School.