Tri-City Herald (Kennewick, WA)
Sunday, Aug 5, 2001
Oliver T. Wilkins Sr., 60, of Kokomo, Indiana, died at 2 p.m. Monday, July 30, 2001, at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Fairborn, Ohio. Born June 25, 1941, in Shreveport, Louisiana, he was the son of the Rev. Bill and Sadie V. Wilkins. In 1952, the family moved to Pasco (WA) and Oliver graduated from Pasco High School in 1959. He then joined the U.S. Air Force in 1960.
On Dec, 16, 1976, at Clarkfield Air Force Base, Angeles, Philippines, he married Pricila L. Lopez. He retired from the U.S. Air Force on Oct. 31, 1985, after 26 years of service. He worked in food service and then went to work for Daimler Chrysler as a die cast operator in Kokomo. He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, United Auto Workers Union 1166, the American Legion, and the Disabled American Veterans.
Surviving with his wife are two sons and a daughter-in-law, Jeffrey and Karen Wilkins of Virginia, and Oliver T. Wilkins Jr. of Indiana; two daughters, Deborah Wilkins of Michigan and Danielle Wilkins at home in Kokomo; six grandsons, Kevin, Blake, Brock, Ashaun, Kenneth, and Stephen; two brothers, Billy Ray Wilkins of Pasco and Albert Wilkins of Richland; one sister and brother-in-law, Marilyn and Jim Coleman of Pasco, and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Jacquilyn (Mitchell) Wilkins, and three brothers, Tony, Ned, and Jerry Wilkins.
Friends may call from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday and there will be a Scripture service at 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 5, 2001, at Eller's Mortuary, 3400 S. Webster St., Kokomo. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 6, 2001, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 1229 N. Washington St., Kokomo.
The Rev. Father Frank Kilcline will officiate. In honor of Oliver's service to his country, he will be buried at 1 p.m., Aug. 16, 2001, at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.
Condolences may be sent to the family at 216 Southlea Drive, Kokomo, Ind. 46902.
MILITARY MARKER:
Wilkins, Oliver T.; June 25, 1941 - July 30, 2001; M/Sgt, US Air Force, Vietnam
Arlington National Cem., Arlington, VA: Sec 68, Grave 1839
