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Howard Donovan (Donnie) Wilson, age 67, of Somerset, passed away on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at Hospice of Lake Cumberland (Jean Waddle Care Center).
He was born on February 22, 1950 in Pineville, KY, the son of Bonnie Jean Green Wilson and the late Howard Dempsey Wilson.
Howard was retired from NASA and spent four years as a Kentucky State Trooper. He served in the United States Navy for six years and was a member of First Baptist Church in Somerset.
He is survived by his mother, Bonnie Wilson, of Cincinnati, OH; his children, Thomas Donovan Wilson, Robert Aaron Wilson and Shelby Nicole Wilson-Belcher, all of Texas; his sisters, Sherry J. (Ben) Allen and Terri L. Wilson, all of Cincinnati, OH; his granddaughter, Rylan Jane Belcher. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Donnie also leaves behind his extended family, Connie Wilson (his loving friend and companion), Mendi Wilson, Aaron Greene and Onida Wilson.
Donnie’s family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the Veterans Hospital in both Houston, TX and Lexington, KY. Also, a very special thank you to Hospice of Lake Cumberland and Jean Waddle Care Center for their loving care and compassion. To Nurse Beverly Mulcahy and Laura Godby S.W. we thank God for you both.
In accordance with his wishes, Donnie will be cremated and a Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date. He has also requested that in lieu of flowers, any contributions can be sent to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati, OH and/or Wounded Warriors Project, Topeka, KS.
Southern Oaks Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. Howard Donovan (Donnie) Wilson.
I’m sorry to hear about Donnie. I worked with him at NASA.He taught me soo much!RIP DW!
Very dear friend of mine and companion for two years . Glad I saw and met with him for breakfast at IHOP couple days before he went back home . Many prayers sent to family . ❤️???❤️
My prayers and love
Donnie and I served in the Navy together back in 70 – 71. We were roommates for a while and even made trips to each other’s homes. Years later we were back together working in aerospace on the Space Shuttle Program. Had many good years in aerospace and our jobs allowed us to interact daily. He was very proud of his children as we often talked about “our kids”. I have a lot of memories of all the years together, and lots of photos of serving in the Navy together. As an old friend he will be missed.
You fought long and hard. May you be at peace my friend.
Donnie was a great person to work with. Always ready with fun stories of his adventures and of his family. My prayers for all of you.
God Bless
Donnie
You always had a smile for people you passed and a kind word for everyone, you also liked a good prank when pulled on your fellow Technicians you were always focused on your work 100% you will be missed may you have smooth waters to sail RIP my Friend.