David Alan Wilson

April 3, 1956 – July 19, 2022

David Alan Wilson, 66, of Crawfordsville fell asleep in the Lord July 19, 2022 at Bickford Memory Care. He courageously battled early-onset Alzheimer’s dementia for many years, finally giving way to the illness peacefully Tuesday while surrounded by family.

He was born April 3, 1956 at Culver Hospital in Crawfordsville to the late Thomas and Doris (Barclay) Wilson.

He married his sweetheart, Linda (Haines) Wilson, of Darlington June 28, 1975 at Garfield Christian Church. They met at the tender age of 17 through their mutual love of music, going on to create beautiful music together for 47 years.

A 1974 graduate of Crawfordsville High School, he subsequently embarked on a 36-year career with the Indiana Department of Transportation. Humble beginnings as a worker on survey and bridge crews led to a startling climb in his field. He spent many years serving Indiana’s residents as a draftsman at what he and his coworkers referred to as INDOT’s “crystal palace.” He retired as an engineer assistant in 2011 at the age of 55.

A son, brother, husband, father and grandfather, he was a pillar in what became known locally as the Wilson Clan, or simply “The Wilsons.” Together with his parents, siblings and wife, the family became responsible for and partook in several of Crawfordsville’s most celebrated institutions, including the local music and athletic scenes. An avid bass player, he was a founding member of the bands Blue Shadow and Aissa, gaining much acclaim in the region throughout the 1970s. He was also a co-founder of Aire Born Studios, which hosts globally-renowned musicians to this day.

Though he had many interests, such as music ministry at First Baptist Church, trap shooting, biking and anything Western — spending his elementary years in Chandler, Prescott and Casa Grande, Arizona — none were more important to him than family. The elder child, he was quickly surrounded by four siblings and gained sight of the Lord through his devoutly Christian parents. A near-lifelong member of FBC, he taught junior high Sunday School classes for 13 years and continued leading the congregation in worship until his physical abilities were compromised.

He also enjoyed walking, always giving a friendly wave or kind words to his neighbors near his home on Country Club Road, and through the woods at the Family Farm. He loved walking sticks, woodworking, home improvement projects, bluegrass, softball and, most of all, spending time with his loved ones.

Survivors include his wife; siblings, Mike (Tina) Wilson, Sandy (David) Booker, Susi (Jim) Williams and Dan (Dora) Wilson; children, Leah (Pete) Kopetski and Nick Wilson; seven grandchildren, Evie, Elly, Will, Whitley, Drew, Hannah and Ada; and several nieces and nephews.

A viewing for all those who would like to attend may join the family in a Celebration of Life from 4-8 p.m. on Sunday, July 24 at First Baptist Church, 1905 Lebanon Rd. A service is planned for 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 25 at the church with burial to follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Memorial donations to Alzheimer’s research efforts may be made in David’s name through the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org or the Alzheimer’s Foundation at www.alzfdn.org.

Online condolences may be made at www.burkhartfh.com.