Donald D. ‘Fergie’ Wilson

HANOVERTON – Donald D. “Fergie” Wilson, 89, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024, at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital. He was born on June 3, 1934, in Hanover Township, Ohio, son of the late Marion and Elsie (Speidel) Wilson.

Fergie was a 1952 graduate of Augusta High School. He then served our country as an infantryman in the U.S. Army’s 1st Infantry Division (The Big Red One) from 1957-1959. During his service, he played basketball and baseball, but, most importantly, he met the love of his life, Phyllis, while stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas. Ferg and Phyllis were married on Jan. 31, 1959. This year would have been their 65th anniversary.

Fergie spent most of his career as a Division Plant Supervisor for Columbia Gas and proudly served as a Hanover Township Trustee for 36 years. He kept busy in other roles that he loved, including Assistant Coach for United Girls Softball, President of the United Athletic Boosters, end man in the United Minstrel, a member of the United football “chain gang,” and driver of many homecoming attendants.

Family (who he was so very proud of), Ohio State football, United Local sports, corvettes, and his perfectly mowed lawn were just a few of Fergie’s favorite things. He was an athlete throughout his life, achieving a few holes in one, a ‘300’ bowling game, and a no hitter in baseball. Fergie was just as fulfilled sitting in the stands as he always said some of his best days were spent watching his granddaughter, Mariah, play volleyball. He enjoyed spending time at Manfull’s and Adele’s having meaningful conversations with his buddies while always making time for a good joke. Those of us who knew Fergie had the privilege of sharing in a lot of laughter with him.

Survivors include: his wife, Phyllis (Adolph) Wilson of Hanoverton; his daughters, Christine (Mike) Halleck of Salem and Melissa Wilson of Los Angeles; his granddaughter, Mariah (Jon) Field of Columbus and great-grandson, Sawyer; his sister, Jeannette Lanning of Canton; many nieces and nephews; great-nieces and -nephews and great-great-nieces and -nephews.

Besides his parents, he was also preceded in death by sisters, Maxine Hawkins, Anniece Messer, Ruth Stryffeler, and Dorothy Zimmerman; and brothers, Woodrow Wilson, Richard Wilson, Russell Wilson, and Thomas Wilson.

Friends and family will be received from 10 to11:30 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 29, 2024, at New Garden Methodist Church with a funeral service directly following at noon that will be officiated by Pastors Tim Ginter and Ed Blackburn. Burial will be at the Woodsdale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to New Garden Methodist Church, 7165 St. Rt. 9, Hanoverton, OH 44423, or Church at the Center, 1785 S. Lincoln Ave. Salem OH 44460.

Arrangements are being handled by Stark Memorial.

To view Ferg’s obituary or condolences visit www.starkmemorial.com.

1/26/24