Donald E. Wilson

Donald Eugene Wilson, age 88, of Prairie Village, Kansas, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, April 11, 2021. Don was born on October 10, 1932, in Savonburg, Kansas, the son of Fred and Frances (Parsons) Wilson. Don graduated from Grant Township Rural High School, Stark, KS. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1954 from Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, KS, and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict 1954-56. He received a Master’s degree from Pittsburg State University in 1960 and a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Kansas in 1975. He was a lifelong teacher and educator beginning in the Lamar, MO Public Schools 1956-58; Shawnee Mission East High School 1958-1966; Associate Principal of Shawnee Mission South High School 1966-1975; Principal of Shawnee Mission North High School 1975-1981; Associate Superintendent and Superintendent of the Shawnee Mission School District 1981-1993. After serving 37 years, Don retired from the public schools and joined the Kauffman Foundation Youth Development Division. In 1995, Don co-founded The Teel Institute for the Development of Integrity and Ethical Behavior in Kansas City, MO, where he served as a director and teacher until his retirement in 2012.

Don was a member of The Village Presbyterian Church where he served as Deacon, Elder, Trustee, and teacher. He was a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International. He served on the board of the Kansas State High School Activities Association, the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, the State of Kansas Committee for Quality Performance Accreditation, and the Kansas Library Advisory Board. In 2008, Don was inducted into the Kansas Teacher’s Hall of Fame in Dodge City, KS.

Don was preceded in death by his parents William Fred Wilson, Sr. and Frances Pearl Parsons Wilson, brother William Fred “Bill” Wilson, Jr., sister-in-law Delores Wilson, and brother-in-law William C. “Bill” Moyer.

In 1960, Don married Barbara Jane Moyer who survives with one daughter Leigh Anne Neal, her husband William A. Neal II, and two beloved granddogs, Hana and Ava, of Fairway, KS. Also surviving are two brothers, James Doyle (Mary Ann) Wilson of Pittsburg, KS, and Robert Lee (Connie) Wilson of Savonburg, KS, and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., April 16, 2021, at the Village Presbyterian Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Village Church.

Don touched many lives with his kindness and understanding. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Events

Memorial Service

Start Date: April 16, 2021, 10:00 am
End Date: April 16, 2021, 12:00 am
Village Presbyterian Church
6641 Mission Rd
Prairie Village, KS 66208