Don Wilson

Donald Ray Wilson, age 84 of Arlington, passed away on April 11, 2023. He was born October 3, 1938 in Tulsa, OK to Raymond and Doris (Clark) Wilson. During the late 50’s Don moved to Nashville, TN where he met his wife, Lona “Pat” Patterson and they celebrated over 50 years of marriage before her passing in 2007. He earned a Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering from Georgia Tech, a Master of Science in aerospace engineering from the University of Tennessee and a Doctor of Philosophy in aerospace engineering from UTA.

Don was a lifelong learner and educator having more than 50 years of experience in the fields of gas dynamics, high-speed aerodynamics, and propulsion. He joined the UTA faculty in 1968 as a professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. He established the UTA Aerodynamics Research Center and directed the NASA/UTA Center for Hypersonic Research from 1993-97. He spent two summers at NASA Lewis (now Glenn) Research Center as a NASA/ASEE Faculty Fellow. He was also actively involved in the NASA/DOE National MHD Power Generator Program and was awarded the AIAA Ground Testing Award in 2001. Don had the pleasure of serving as faculty advisor to NASA astronaut Kalpana Chawla.

He was a founding and active member of Advent Lutheran Church, as well as the Arlington Little League. In his spare time, he loved to travel the world, RV trips, camping, and cruising.

Don is survived by his children Don Wilson, Jr and wife Sharon, and Joe Wilson; grandchildren Wendy, Kimberly, and Austin; great grandchildren Blake and Kylie. Don was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Pat, and daughter-in-law, Michele.

A celebration of Don’s life will be at 2:00pm on April 19, 2023 at Advent Lutheran Church, Arlington.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.moorebowenroad.com for the Wilson family.