Don Wilson of Akron, New York, and formerly of Phoenix, Arizona, and Austin, Minnesota, died peacefully on Dec. 28, 2014, at age 88 in Clarence, New York. He was the husband of Jean Wilson (nee Winchester).

He was preceded in death by his beloved first wife Maggie.

He is survived by his three children: James Wilson of Mound, Minnesota, Neal Wilson (spouse Pattie Wilson) of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, and LoriAnne Severtson (spouse Dan Severtson) of Uvalde, Texas; seven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Upon graduation from Akron High School towards the end of World War II, Don joined the Army Air Corps and subsequently graduated from the University of Buffalo. He worked many years for Streeters Store Fixtures before moving to Austin and buying the Country Kitchen. After many successful years there, he and Maggie retired to Phoenix. Several years after her passing, he and Jean decided to marry and moved back to Akron, their original hometown.

Don was someone who loved and cared for his family. He had an abiding love of books, music, and poetry. He was a highly skilled woodworker, making many beautiful pieces of furniture, music boxes, and toys for his grandkids. At one time he was an avid model airplane builder and flyer. He loved to travel and visited many interesting places along the way. He will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held Jan. 17 at 4 p.m. in the chapel at the Cerenity nursing home 1891 Florence Street in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate any expressions of sympathy be made in Don’s name to the American Cancer Society.