Donald Robert Wilson

Donald Robert Wilson passed away on Monday, June 29, 2026, in Slidell LA at the age of 73.

Known as “Don” to his family and friends, he was born on March 2, 1953, in Jasper, AL. Following graduation from Walker High School, he worked in construction; during that time, he met and married Donna Skinner, also from Jasper. Together they had two daughters: Stacie and Suzanne. To better provide for his family he joined the United States Air Force (USAF) and was stationed at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina. His military education included avionic inertial and radar navigation systems (honor graduate), computer maintenance, solid state integrated circuit devices, digital techniques, test and measurements, and technical writing training. Following his divorce, his military career concluded at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, MS, where he was recognized as a Master Instructor at the Air Training Command prior to his discharge. Then his career at Stennis Space Center (SSC), in Hancock County, MS, began where he met, then married Sheila Pigott. They had two sons: Bryant and Jarrod. Don started working as an electronics technician “on the bench,” and prior to retiring after 36 years, was the Program Manager of the Measurements Standards and Calibration Laboratory contract. He was the recipient of many honors during his career at SSC including Outstanding Safety Service Award; Group Achievement Award for working on the Post Hurricane Katrina Housing Committee; the prestigious Silver Snoopy Award, given by NASA astronauts; and a Recognition Award for Job Well Done assisting with AJ-26 catastrophic event. He enjoyed supporting the Mississippi Special Olympics hosted by SSC and served on the committee for several years. Don also gave his time helping with the youth fishing rodeos hosted at the center. He was dedicated to his work, especially the many friendships he built throughout his career. Spending time at the Cypress House with his colleagues was one of his favorite pastimes.

Outside of work, Don enjoyed gardening, camping, and sailing in his younger days. He was an avid football fan; specifically, the Alabama Crimson Tide. Roll Tide!

He was preceded in death by his mother, Eve Gwendolyn Hays; father, Robert Earl Wilson; sister, Donna Jo Booth; brother, Ronald Earl Wilson; nephew Sidney Wilson; nieces Sara Jane Wilson and Lindsey Marie Wilson.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years Sheila Pigott Wilson; two daughters, Stacie Carol Wilson and Suzanne Denise Stempihar; two sons, Bryant Donald Wilson and Jarrod Robert Wilson; nephew Christopher Justin Booth; grandsons Austin Stempihar and Jack Levin Wilson; granddaughter Autumn Stempihar; and an uncle and several cousins.

Don was a kind man and helped whenever he saw a need. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather; and will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to a charity of your choice. They would also like to thank all the caregivers he encountered during his fight with throat cancer (diagnosed in 2010), especially from the many doctors and nurses at the Slidell Regional Cancer Center, Slidell Memorial Hospital and Ochsner Hospital.

Arrangements for Don are pending at this time and will be updated as soon as finalized.

Edmond Fahey Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Donald Robert Wilson.