Raymond “Dean” Wilson passed away on Friday, May 12, 2023, at home with his family by his side. Dean was born on May 23, 1946, to Donaldson and Geraldine Wilson in Eugene, Oregon. Dean or “Papa Dean” as his family called him, grew up in Coos Bay, Oregon, and attended Marshfield High School, then furthered his education at Clackamas Community College and Portland State University.

Dean entered the Army in 1964 and served two tours in Vietnam. He also served in Germany and Korea. Dean was training to be a helicopter pilot before discovering that jumping out of planes was more fun. Dean graduated at the top of his military class and was with the 509th Infantry Seventh Army. Dean was well decorated as an E-6 Staff Sergeant and had his National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Parachute Badge. Dean joined the Air National Guard in 1973, serving his country another four years before being honorably discharged in 1977.

On Aug. 17, 1974, Dean married Kathleen Weil in Clackamas, Oregon. Dean loved motorcycles, watching his sons and grandchildren play sports, but most importantly loved traveling the world with the love of his life. For a few years, Dean worked at the Clackamas Community College Administration and started the foundation for the Veterans Outreach Program. He then opened his own business KD&S Environmental which he ran for 26 years, retiring in 2017.

Dean is preceded in death by his parents Donaldson and Geraldine Wilson; brother Edward Wilson and sister Stella Wilson. He is survived by his wife Kathleen Wilson of Montesano, Washington; sons Ryan (Moraya) Wilson of Montesano, Washington, and Bradlee(Beau) Wilson of Tumwater, Washington; sisters Cheryl Wilson of Portland, Oregon, and Joyce Weil of Milwaukie, Oregon; and grandchildren Elijah Wilson, Jaxson Wilson, Colton Wilson, Maximus Wilson and Maliha Wilson.

The family will have a Celebration of Life honoring Dean on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023. The place and time will be sent at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Montesano High School Athletics or the Brady Fire Station.

To share memories or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.harrisonfamilymortuary.com. Arrangements entrusted to Harrison Family Mortuary.