November 25, 1934 – January 25, 2022
David Wilson was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He left us suddenly on January 25, 2022, and his loved ones will endeavor to continue his legacy by living lives of honor and integrity.
Dave was born in Pomona, California on November 25, 1934, to Edward and Frances Wilson. He was raised with an amazing work ethic and he would proudly tell you that he mastered the operation of the tractor on the family farm at the age of 9 while his older brothers were away in World War II.
Dave attended Chico State University where he met the love of his life, Gay, in the registration line. He subsequently graduated from Cal Poly SLO. Dave and Gay were married February 15, 1958. They moved to Indio California and had 2 daughters, Judi and Marilyn. Dave spent his entire career working for the Federal Farmers Home Administration. That career eventually led Dave to his beloved Oregon where he helped many fledgling farmers and growing communities realize their dreams until Dave retired in 1995.
Dave touched many lives through his tireless volunteer work and leadership with the Jacksonville Kiwanis and South Medford Key Club. During the Christmas season, you couldn’t miss Dave’s friendly face at the See’s candy booth in Jacksonville raising money for scholarships or downtown ringing the bell for the Salvation Army. Dave also served as a deacon and an elder for Westminster Presbyterian Church.
Dave was passionate about genealogy and through his determined research he discovered and visited many distant family relatives. Dave’s loyalty to family always drove him to cultivate and nurture those relationships regardless of distance. Dave loved meeting new people and he always felt that a stranger was just a friend he hadn’t yet greeted.
Dave loved his country and one of Dave’s most joyous moments was in 2016 watching his grandson, Jake, graduate from the US Air Force Academy, and during the ceremony witness the President of the United States personally congratulate Jake and shake his hand.
Dave is survived by his wife of 63 years, Gay. He is also survived by his daughters, Judi Johnson (Ron) and Marilyn Von Grabill (Charles), grandsons Wesley Von Grabill (Kate) and Jake Johnson (Jaycee), granddaughters Cara Craft (James), Nadine Von Grabill (Lex), and Amanda Young (Garett). Dave was also blessed with multiple great-grandchildren.
A celebration to honor Dave’s well-lived life will be held at Westminster Presbyterian, 2000 Oakwood Dr., Medford on March 4, 2022, at 2pm.