Donald Eugene Wilson

Donald Eugene Wilson, 78, of Irvington, Kentucky, passed away on July 7, 2026, peacefully in the home he built, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on October 14, 1947, in Louisville, KY, to Eules and Jonell Murphy Wilson.

Donald proudly served his country in the Vietnam war as a front-line sharpshooter of the 1st Battalion, 5th Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Air Mobile), keeping his squad safe. Donald received a purple heart for being shot in his arm.  He had many stories but one he was most willing to discuss was when he almost fell out of a helicopter and was yanked back in by the gunner.

After returning home from his service, he wasted no time beginning his next chapter, marrying the love of his life, Dolores Overstreet, just three months later. Donald was a loving and devoted father to three. He continued his lifelong career with Delta Air Lines, working in many different roles over the years—though he particularly disliked working at the ticket counter. He earned his nickname “Flash” when he first started there when he was late delivering mail to the plane and his supervisor said to him “your late Flash.” He retired in 1999. Outside of work, Donald enjoyed flying, or more appropriately crashing, remote control airplanes, driving fast, running from cops on his motorcycle, fishing, arrowhead hunting, and woodworking. Donald was always there to help anyone in need, whether it was money or just his help/expertise.

He is survived by wife, Dolores (Overstreet) Wilson; his children, Melanie Franklin (Michael) and Brandon Wilson (Tony Ross); his brothers, Terry Wilson (Linda) and Lynn Wilson (Amy); his sister, Jeannie (Crowder) Jones. He was preceded in death by his son, Michael Scott Wilson (Sept 17, 2023), his parents Eules Wilson (Nov 21, 2015) and Jonell (Murphy) Wilson (Sept 25, 2015).

Visitation will be held at Alexander Funeral Home on Sunday, July 12, 2026, from 3:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. EDT, and will continue on Monday, July 13, 2026 from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service.

Funeral Services will be held at Alexander Funeral Home on Monday, July 13, 2026, beginning at 11:00 A.M. EDT with Bro. Clemons officiating. Burial will follow in Antioch Cemetery located in Horse Branch, KY.