Ronald Howell Wilson

Generous, wise, and hymn singing Ron Wilson. Survived by his sassy wife, Barbara, and three kids, each attributing 5 grandkids (15 total if you need the help adding) to his legacy and one great grandchild. He was born on September 16, 1941 to George and Billie Wilson both of who have preceded him in death as well as his youngest sister Sheila and brother Johnnie. He has a living half sister, Lisa Marie. He played high school football in Fredrick, Oklahoma, and was later entered into the Oklahoma sports hall of fame team of legend 1956 Fredrick High School football team. Dad was often drawn to his childhood memories in his last days and wanted his family to know about those precious days of God protecting and guiding his life through difficult circumstances. It was during this season of life that Jesus Christ became his rock and salvation.  

As a young man, Dad entered the Air Force. He spent eight years as a radar specialist and one year in undercover secret service in Chile. During these years he met his bride of 56 years and she quickly introduced him to her family who became his own. While in Chile, much correspondence took place with Barb and their toddling curly haired daughter, Dana Annette.   

As an adult he progressed through his degree as an electrical engineer quickly yet with much physical effort supporting his family. He had each credit planned out and precise as to not spend one needless dollar on a class he did not need. Shortly after graduating from the University of Washington, his and mom’s son arrived, the toe head daredevil David Arthur. 

He worked for Hughes aircraft in California where he and Barbara had me, their third daughter, Amy Joy, and he always did tell me I was his joy. ;)

Family was important to dad. So much so, he left sunny California (which he did return to in his later life), to be close to his wife’s parents, which were very dear to him, Clyde and MaryJane Walden in the Seattle, Washington area. It was here Dad began his hobby building. He would work by day as an electrical engineer and build homes by night.  Between his 40’s and up to the year of his passing dad had built or been actively involved in building five homes from the ground up and remodeled at least three times that many. And boy could he save you a penny by pinching here and there. Three of these homes were for us kids. When we all were newly married, Dad and Mom sold their beautiful custom home and gifted each of us kids property and dad’s talents, and along with each of his sons’ hard work, built us homes. This was one of his greatest gifts and joys in life. It facilitated 20 years of living on the same nine acres as his dearly loved grandchildren. Because dad stood out in the realm as an outstanding husband and father, many do not know that his work as an electrical engineer earned him three U.S. patents and advancements in the medical equipment field. 

Dad spent his retired years traveling the world, earning service awards, visiting friends and family, fishing for the big trout and humpy salmon that sometimes found its way into the freezer, spending warm days in Indio, CA, volunteering at dear friends art park, and imputing as much wisdom as possible into the younger generation either by teaching wood shop, taking a grandchild to fish lake for the weekend, or on one of his four mission trips to Dominican Republic and Southern Mexico.  Dad taught us all the value of good hard work. He also taught us about resting in God’s goodness and trusting in his unfailing love. So, Bless the Lord, Oh my soul with all that is within me, bless his holy name!  

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