David A. Wilson, III's Obituary
David Albert Wilson, III, Lieutenant Colonel USAF, Retired
David was born in Lynn Lane, OK January 9, 1920, to David Albert Wilson, Jr. and Stella Clare Beardsley Wilson. He graduated from Broken Arrow High School, Broken Arrow Oklahoma.
He attended the University of Tulsa where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering and was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. David then went on to the University of Oklahoma and earned his Master's Degree in Petroleum Engineering.
David was commissioned as a weather officer in World War II. He served as a B-17 navigator/bombardier while stationed in Bury St. Edmonds, England, with the Eighth Air Force as part of the 94th Bomb Group. While bravely defending our country David earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with four Oak Leaf clusters and later he honorably retired from the Air Force Reserve as a lieutenant colonel.
Before moving to Longview in 1961, David worked as a consulting engineer in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he also served a brief term as a television weather man with Channel 2. He worked in Longview for 51 years as an independent oil and gas producer and was a registered professional engineer in the states of Oklahoma and Texas.
David was a charter member of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Longview where he served as Elder and Trustee.
He is survived by his two daughters Susan Elms and her husband Larry of Longview, and Barbara Burke and her husband David Woolkalis of Hudson, New Hampshire,
Granddaughter Allyson Petta and her husband Robert of Keller, TX
Grandson Brandon Elms and his wife Tracy of Aledo, TX
Great grandchildren Kinley and Cooper Elms of Aledo, TX, Luke Petta of Keller, TX,
and a great-granddaughter, soon to be born.
David is preceded in passing by his beloved wife of 66 years Rose Marian Gilbert Wilson.
Following a private family internment, everyone is invited to join the family at11 am, Thursday, May 9, 2013 at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Longview for a Celebration of his Life.
In lieu of flowers, family requests donations to St. Andrew Presbyterian Church or Beacon Hospice.
Special thanks from the family to Beacon Hospice and to caregivers Nancy Brown, Cindy Youngblood, Angela Anderson and Corlis Collins.
Arrangements are under the care of Rader Funeral Home in Longview.
What’s your fondest memory of David?
What’s a lesson you learned from David?
Share a story where David's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with David you’ll never forget.
How did David make you smile?