Robert Dwane (RD) Wilson was born on October 25, 1937 in Yukon, OK to Retta (Vien) and Lonnie Wilson. He was born the third of four boys, David, Paul, and Jim all preceded him in death. Bob passed peacefully on Saturday, February 3, 2024 with his loved ones by his side after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.
After graduation from East Dallas High School, Bob joined the military and spent three years traveling the world. He joined the Dallas Police Department in 1959 and graduated first in his class at the Dallas Police Academy. RD also attended and graduated first in his class from the U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs School. His claim to fame was that he was instrumental in the capture of Lee Harvey Oswald. But being a modest man, he rarely spoke of that event.
Bob attended El Centro College in Dallas, TX where he earned an associate degree in Police Science. He went on to attend Sam Houston University where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Law Enforcement and Police Science graduating Summa Cum Laude. RD was an instructor with the Dallas Police Academy, Regional Police Academy, Henderson County Junior College, and Texas Justice of the Peace Training Center. He was also a member of the Advisory Board of the Police Juvenile Units, Washington D.C. Police Foundation, and the Bishop College Neighborhood Youth Services and Criminal Justice Program. In addition, he was on the Board of Directors of the Texas Institute of Children and Youth as well as President of the North Texas State Juvenile Officers Association.
Over the years, RD researched and published many articles and reports promoting Youth Services/Programs. He also traveled across the state of Texas making major presentations at Conferences and to organizations training and promoting various law enforcement programs that he was passionate about.
Bob retired in 1986 and began a career in the automotive business. He retired again in 1996 and became Personal Assistant to the owner of Thompson Enterprises which ceased operation in 2003.
He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Pat (Marts) Wilson; daughter, Carol Wallis and husband Jeff; son, Steve Wilson; daughter Bobbi Wilson; stepdaughter, Rubann Stuever and husband Justin; five grandchildren, Blake Wallis, Courtney Hunt and husband Patrick, Jordan Wallis and wife Jasmine, Haley Wilson, Juddson Stueve; great-grandchildren, Lennon Wallis and Charlie Wallis.
Bob loved the Lord Jesus Christ, his wife Pat, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and fishing and playing golf. He was a 32nd degree Mason, a Shriner in good standing, and a member of the Gafford Chapel Methodist Church, Sulphur Springs, TX. He was prepared to meet his Savior and Lord and prayed the same for his family and friends.
Memorials may be made to the Gafford Chapel Methodist Church, 6839 Texas Highway 11 West, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482 or to Assist the Officer Foundation, 1412 Griffin St. East, Dallas, TX 75215.
A Memorial Service celebrating his life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at Gafford Chapel Methodist Church, Sulphur Springs, TX.
