Dale Ray Wilson, 87, of Wagner

A Memorial Graveside Service will be held at the ZCBJ Cemetery at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, July 9, 2013.

Dale Ray Wilson was born August 20, 1925 in Lynn Grove, Iowa, the son of Harold L. and Elsie Maud (Miller) Wilson. He died Saturday, July 6, 2013 at the Good Samaritan Center in Wagner, SD. Dale attained the age of 87 years, 6 months and 16 days.

Dale moved to Wagner, SD when he was one and a half years old with his aunt after the death of his mother. He was raised by Joe and Ina Mawhiney as their son with their daughters, Lorena and Neva. He remained in close contact with his brother Robert L. Wilson and sister Donna Rahn.

After graduating from Wagner High School, he joined the US Army Air Corps and fought in the pacific from 1944-1946.

Dale graduated from New Mexico State University with a BS in Engineering in 1953.

While attending his brother Robert's wedding, he met Raquel Moreno, the sister of his brother's bride and they married in 1953.

Together they made their home in Corona, CA. Dale returned to Wagner in 2009 after Raquel's death.

Dale enjoyed his horses, dogs, cattle and everything western. He was a cowboy poet and author. He published the book Poems from Cowboy Country, My Favorite Uncle Cook Book and was working on a novel and an autobiography.

Dale was also active in the Elks for many years.

Dale is survived by his sons, John D. Wilson, and Todd J. Wilson; his nephew, Victor Mayagoitia, who lived with Dale and Rachel for many years, five grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.