Jerry Don Wilson Sr., 85, of Festus died July 16, 2026, at John Cochran VA Medical Center in St. Louis. Mr. Wilson served in the U.S. Army from 1963 to 1965, where he earned the rank of Sergeant E-5 as a Green Beret in the 10th Special Forces Group. He served as a St. Louis police officer from 1965-1971. For 36 years, he and his wife were owners and operators of the Selma Auto-body, Auto-Connection in Festus and later Mid-Town Auto-body in Crystal City. In retirement, he and his wife operated Remember When Antiques of Crystal City. He was also a member of the Second Baptist Church of Festus, the Kiwanis Club, Shriners International and Masonic Lodge 256. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, particularly his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Born June 2, 1941, in Steele, he was the son of the late Valle Johnson.
He is survived by his wife: Nona Faye (Simpson) Wilson; a son: Colonel (R) Jerry "Don" (Rhonda) Wilson Jr. of Festus; a daughter: Paige (Derick) Hux of De Soto; a sister: Betty Flaherty of Baldwin; a brother: Cliff (Janet) Wilson of Cadet; five grandchildren: Zachary (Brittany) Wilson, Colten (Samantha) Wilson, Heather (Jake) Kinman, Rylie (Preston) Purchase and Ryese Hux; nine great-grandchildren: P.J. Purchase, Abigail Newman, Landon Proctor, Harper Kinman, Easton Wilson, Hudson Wilson, Adalyna Wilson, Maisie Wilson and J.J. Kinman; and many other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by a sister: Tona (the late Sonny) Arnold.
Visitation is scheduled from 10 a.m. until services at noon Tuesday, July 28, at Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W. Main St., in Festus, officiated by Brother Mike Tull. Interment with full military honors will be in the National Cemetery at Jefferson Barracks. Memorials may be made to Living Springs Camp, 13975 Living Springs Camp Road, Festus, 63028. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.