Don E. Wilson
Oct. 4, 1940 ~ July 1, 2023
Don E (Edward) Wilson was born Oct. 4, 1940 to Ed and Betty Wilson of Meeker, Colorado. He passed peacefully at his Florida home July 1, 2023, at the age of 82.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sue Anne Wilson; a son, Gabriel Wilson (Courtney) of Florida; and a daughter, Genevieve Chaparro of Tennessee; four grandchildren, Chloe and Colby Wilson, Bruce Sparks and MiLu Chaparro; his sister, Terry (Greg) Nelson; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Lisa and Gary Clagett; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister and brother-in-law, Theralyne and Myron Dull.
Don grew up in the Meeker area. His childhood was spent in town where his family owned and operated the Meeker Hotel and several other downtown businesses. His teen years were spent on the family ranch raising Angus cattle. He graduated from Meeker High School with the Class of 1959, and attended Mesa College in Grand Junction. He was in partnership with his parents in Glenwood Springs operating the Coast to Coast Hardware store.
In 1970 Don found his lifetime career in real estate. He purchased and operated his own real estate office in Gunnison, Colorado, which he brokered for over 40 years. He was best known for negotiating some of the first conservation easements in Colorado, and preserving thousands of acres of agricultural land. He specialized in recreational properties, businesses, and ranches.
He supported 4-H, Rotary, and other community programs. He and his wife created the West Elk Terrier Kennel that raised, trained, worked and showed Jack Russell terriers to many national championships. Don was passionate about big game hunting, trout fishing, and later in Florida, bagged whitetail deer, feral hog, and turkey.
After retiring, Don and his wife took up the RV life and traveled many miles back and forth across the country. They wintered in New River, Arizona, and in 2013 they decided to settle in central Florida to be close to family.
His family was his pride and joy. He was known as a gentleman with a sense of humor, a quick smile, a firm handshake, warm hugs, and an honesty and moral compass that never wavered.
He was an organ donor and chose cremation and no service. Memorial donations can be made to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation or www.jackrussellterriermuseum.com
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