David Allan Wilson

David Allan Wilson (Van Doren), 44, passed on to the next life unexpectedly on 6/27/23. David was a loving husband, proud father, best friend, teacher, animal enthusiast and so much more. David was preceded in death by his son, Sirius Muad’dib Rising Van Doren, His father-in-law Patrick J. Illig, Sr., and his maternal grandmother Joyce McFalls. David is survived by his wife, soul mate and best friend, Julie, and their children Abby, David, Liz, Orion and Tesla Van Doren, all of whom David was immensely proud. He is also survived by his mother, Carrie Fornof and sister Liz Herrman.

David was born November 21, 1978 in Front Royal, VA. He had a rough start but found his first solace in ‘field herping’—looking for wild reptiles in woods and forests. He left Virginia at age 18 and found adventure in Jacksonville, FL, where he met his wife of 22 years, Julie. David and Julie spent nearly every minute together, still field herping, enjoying music, and taking long ‘talk-walks’ around the Riverside area of Jacksonville. Eventually, they welcomed their first child on David’s birthday!

Throughout the years of raising and teaching his children, David always sought adventure for them, and they went kayaking, surf fishing, boating, hiking, riding motorcycles and more. He instilled high morals and values in each of his children and all of them are pursuing firefighting and medical careers. In addition, David adored animals and over the years had many exotic reptiles, mammals, and birds which he and his wife and children cared for as part of their family. He also had a deep passion for music and was an electronic music DJ. He shared many meaningful songs and even his own poetry with his mother, other family and numerous friends and acquaintances throughout his life. David also had an untamed thirst for science and history in all forms. He was a unique and special soul and will be missed immensely by everyone who knew him. David firmly believed that ‘we are all one consciousness experiencing itself through all our eyes’ and he will speak to all of us at times, so please be listening.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to or join USARK so that the reptiles that David loved and enjoyed will be protected as family members and therapy animals for those who ‘love the unloved’.

There will be a celebration of his life and memory at a future date.