David Wayne Gilson

David Wayne Gilson was born on January 30th, 1949, and passed away peacefully September 14th, 2024 in his home at the age of 75. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Linda, brother Gary (Bev) Gilson, sister Karen (Gene) Ellis, and two grandchildren, Melissa Sue Toillion and Maxwell Stuart Henderson.

He is survived by four daughters, Shanna (CJ) Timler, Faith (Shaun) Anderson, Hope (Gary) Kephart and Lisa Wysong, and one son, Scott Henderson, as well as several grandchildren and a great-grand child.

David was the youngest son of Wayne and Corrine Gilson and was raised in Clermont, IA. He attended Vally High School in Elgin, IA, where he graduated class of 1968.

David moved to Des Moines, IA where he met the love of his life Linda Jean McPherson, whom he affectionately and mischievously referred to as "The Boss". After a short but enviable courtship they were wed through a lovely ceremony at the house of their dear friends Polly and Harlen Dunaway.

He enjoyed a career as a Residential Treatment Worker at Woodward State Hospital, and in later years worked as an overnight security guard.

David was a man that was as gentle as he was large. He was a passionate Atlanta Braves fan, as well as a Joey Loganano (NASCAR) fan. David loved cats and dogs, Hot Tamales, meat and potatoes, and sour cream on his tacos, as well as whatever the Menonite folks cooked for Sunday dinners after church. He enjoyed classic rock, traveling, and exploring various interests on the internet. Shortly after the death of his beloved wife Linda, he moved to Concord, Arkansas with Faith and Shaun Anderson where they cared for him the rest of his days here on earth.

David was a water baptized, Bible believing Christian who really enjoyed going to church, doing Bible study with his son-in-law, and watching various preachers on YouTube, including Bobby Schuller, Allen Jackson, and Charles Stanley.

Never was there a better or kinder man in this world than David. He gifted those around him with unconditional love; a love that was good and pure. The only deviation from his gentle persona was an occasional bit of road rage, or expression of indignation in the face of injustice, both quirks of character that somehow added to his allure. David was loved by many and will be missed more than words can convey. There is, however, comfort in knowing that he has entered his rest and joined Jesus along with his cherished wife Linda in heaven!

Graveside service will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines.

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