A RESOLUTION Adjourning the Senate in Honor and Loving Memory of Donald Eugene Wilson

UNOFFICIAL COPY AS OF 12/25/1814 REG. SESS.14 RS BR 1600

A RESOLUTION adjourning the Senate in honor and loving memory of Donald Eugene Wilson.

WHEREAS, Donald Eugene Wilson was born March 10, 1921, in St. Joseph, Missouri; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Wilson was given his first musical instrument, a saxophone, by his parents for his ninth birthday. He won a high school state championship in Missouri as a drum major and baton twirler, and attended what is now Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, where he performed with the band; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Wilson served his country during World War II, touring with an Army band across the southern United States. It was with the Army band that he was trained to repair musical instruments; and

WHEREAS, believing he could have a career fixing musical instruments, Mr. Wilson moved to Lexington with his wife, Mary Elizabeth, after the war, and worked for Shackleton's Music Store. After the University of Kentucky band director learned of his baton past, Mr. Wilson, although not a student, became the oldest marching band member as its drum major from 1949 until 1955, and his young daughter, Donna, often joined him, twirling her baton while riding his shoulders. They accompanied the Wildcats and Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant to the 1951 Sugar Bowl and the 1952 Cotton Bowl; and

WHEREAS, in 1956, Mr. Wilson opened the Don Wilson Music Co., which specialized in music instrument sales, repairs, and rentals. The business helped introduce music to students across central and eastern Kentucky who otherwise may not have had access to reliable instruments. Mr. Wilson sent staff to rural school districts each week to pick up instruments for repair, allowing the students to further their music education; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Wilson was an active member of several organizations in the Lexington area, and he often performed in parades across the country with the American Legion and Oleika Shrine Temple bands. He was a member of Lexington Masonic Lodge #1; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Wilson was preceded in death by his devoted and loving wife of 64 years, Mary Elizabeth Wilson. He leaves to cherish his memory his children, Donna Jo Switzer, Gary E. Wilson, Peggy Wilson, and Sally Mullis; and six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Wilson's contribution to the youth of the Commonwealth by expanding their opportunities to pursue music education is immeasurable. His loss will be deeply mourned by all those who knew him;

NOW, THEREFORE,

Be it resolved by the Senate of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky:

Section 1. The members of this honorable body convey their deepest sense of sorrow and express their sincerest condolences to the family, friends, and community of Donald Eugene Wilson.

Section 2. When the Senate adjourns this day, it does so in honor and loving memory of Donald Eugene Wilson.

Section 3. The Clerk of the Senate is directed to transmit five copies of this Resolution to Gary E. Wilson, 3893 Forsythe Drive, Lexington, Kentucky 40514.

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BR160000.100 - 1600 - 4145Jacketed