DARYL MAX WILSON
Our father, Daryl Max Wilson, was received into the arms of our Lord on Friday, September 6, 2019. We rejoice in our memories of our loving father, wonderful husband, special grandpa and great grandpa and loyal friend. He was the kindest, most devoted and generous man. Daryl Max Wilson passed in Pearland, TX after a five-year battle with multiple melanoma.
Father, we will always cherish the gifts you bestowed on us in the form of your love, patience, guidance and profoundly rich knowledge. The way you provided for your family was exemplary. By the grace of God, we are reassured that you have done your work and now it is time to rest. We will miss you beyond measure.
Daryl was born on a rural farm in Ringgold County, IA and was the oldest of six children. He was a devout farm hand through high school and then again after his time in the US Navy during the Korean War. His military experiences molded him into the father that we all loved and learned from.
Daryl’s life consisted of four marriages that produced natural born children and children that he wrapped his arms around and called his own. He was a role model for all the children that entered his world.
Daryl married Lillian Denham of Battle Creek, IA in 1955 and had five children, Steven, Susan, Tracy, Terry and Lori. He graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1961. First living in Burlington, IA and then moving to New Orleans, LA to be the Plant Engineer for US Gypsum and later Albuquerque, NM.
In 1971, Daryl married Shirley Douglas of Dayton, OH and took on the role of father for Robbie and Julie. In turn, Daryl and Shirley moved to Ft. Dodge, IA and he served as Plant Engineer for Celotex. In 1978, his family moved to Houston, TX as he became Plant Manager for United Salt. Daryl became a widower in 1987.
Daryl married his third wife, Wanda Hernandez of Waller, TX, in 1990 and he became a father figure for Traci and Jeffery.
After retiring from United Salt, Daryl married his fourth wife Joanna Fitzpatrick of Santa Fe, TX in 2004. Joanna called our father her “Mr. Wonderful”!
Daryl Max Wilson was an active member in the East Orleans Civic Association, Kiwanis Club, and a leader in mine rescue competitions and training. He was very competitive and was an active participant in bowling leagues, competitive trap shooting and barbecue cook-offs for almost two decades, especially the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Barbecue Cook-Off. He enjoyed hunting, caring for his prized garden, fruit trees and bee hives. He was quite the expert in genealogy and his searches gave him hours of fulfillment and joy. He passed along his love of camping, gardening and shooting to his children.
Our father’s hobbies and civic involvement spanned his entire lifetime and warranted him a life full of rich experiences. If he wasn’t busy teaching his children how to grow green beans or make apple cider, educating them on the finer points of target practice and gun safety, or taking them camping he could be found sharing his gift of ease with people. Our father never met a stranger.
The gifts of wisdom that our father shared with us were numerous and a testament to his involvement in our lives. Here are nuggets we cherish: that we could do or be anything we wanted; keep your sense of humor; sometimes it is better to remain silent; know when to apologize and to forgive; do the right thing even if no one is watching; have integrity; hope for the best but don’t set your expectations too high; be sincere; sleep on it, things will be clearer in the morning; if it is a job worth doing, it is worth doing right; measure twice, cut once and his favorite, work smart, not hard.
Daryl Max Wilson is survived by his wife, Joanna of Santa Fe, TX, his sister, Phyllis Wilson-Hill (David) of Wichita, KS, his brothers, Richard (Katherine) of Pella, IA and Galen (Francis) of Green Castle, MO; his children, Steven (Jolene) of Marion, IA, Tracy Curley (Brad) of Methuen, MA, Terry Wilson of Houston, TX and Lori Jarrett (Carl) of Ft. Smith, AR; his step-children, Julie Ledbetter (Ron) of College Station, TX, Traci House (Roland) of Houston, TX, Jeffrey Hernandez (Heather) of Magnolia, TX, Lori Peschel Riha (Tim) of Richmond, TX, Scott Fitzpatrick (Debra) of College Station, TX and Susan Grenia (Jim) of Boerne, TX and many wonderful grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and other relatives.
He is predeceased by his parents, Clarence and Belle Wilson, his brother, David, his sister, Karen, his infant daughter, Susan, and his step-son, Robert Douglas.
Please join us for the committal of our father’s ashes at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 19, 2019 at the Rose Hill Cemetery, Mount Ayr, IA. A luncheon will follow at the American Legion, 1302 S. Cleveland Street, Mount Ayr, IA.
The luncheon at the American Legion is a tribute to our dad and his memorable life well lived. We could think of no better way than one last barbecue to celebrate him. If you are unable to attend the graveside service please stop by for lunch. There will be plenty of Daryl’s brisket and beans and Irish toasts to our dad.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the University of Iowa, College of Engineering. Our father was a member of the Alumni Association and he believed in the value of a good education.
