Donald Wayne Wilson

April 3, 1966 - May 6, 2026

Donald Wayne "Donny" Wilson, age 60, of Cleveland, Oklahoma, passed from this life on May 6, 2026.

Donny was born on April 3, 1966, in Sacramento, California, to Donald Wilson and Danita Jackson. He spent his early years in California before making his home in Oklahoma, where he graduated from Cleveland High School. He later attended Oklahoma State University, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education.

On August 6, 1988, Donny was united in marriage to the love of his life, Arleta Vaughan, at First Baptist Church in Cleveland, Oklahoma. Their marriage of 37 years was built on a lifelong friendship that began in junior high and grew into a deep and lasting bond.

Donny dedicated his career to hard work and perseverance. He began working at Don's Muffler Shop in Cleveland and later held positions at Hartford Bank in Ponca City, Willis Shaw in Elm Springs, Arkansas, and Lorance in Tulsa. He ultimately spent over 31 years with Helmerich & Payne in Tulsa, where he was respected for his dedication and strong work ethic.

A man of quiet strength, Donny was often described as stoic and not overly expressive, sometimes coming across as tough or cranky-but those who knew him best understood how deeply he loved his family. He found great joy in spending time with them, creating memories that will be cherished forever.

Donny enjoyed an active life and had a passion for skiing, fishing, biking, and CrossFit. He especially loved working on home projects and building things with his hands. Some of his happiest moments were spent outdoors or simply being with those he loved.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Arleta Wilson of the home; his children, Denton Wilson and wife Stephanie, and Kylie Wilson; his sisters, Sherry McGee and husband Ken of Cleveland, Oklahoma, Tina Gregory and husband Darren of Ada, Oklahoma; and his grandson, Declan Wilson, father in law Fred Vaughan of Cleveland, Oklahoma along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Wilson; parents Carol and Don Wilson, mother-in-law Jan Vaughan.

Donny faced life's challenges with resilience, including his battle with Crohn's disease and his courageous journey with Smarc B1 carcinoma. Through it all, he remained strong and determined.

Donny will be remembered for his strength, his dedication, and most of all, the deep love he had for his family.

Funeral services will be 2:30 pm, Monday, May 11, 2026, at the First Baptist Church, with Gary Davis officiating. Interment will follow at Woodland Cemetery in Cleveland, Oklahoma.