Neil A. "Grandpa" Wilkins, Jr., 86, passed away peacefully at his home in Lockhart, Texas on October 8, 2010 after a short illness. Mr. Wilkins retired as Manager of Orienta Cooperative Elevator Association, Orienta, Oklahoma in 1980 and moved to Wharton, Texas to help establish Glen Flora Farms, Inc. in Glen Flora, Texas. After he ended his association with Glen Flora Farms in 1986 he established a home in Lockhart where he doted on his grandchildren when he wasn't traveling to Louisiana to try his luck at the various casinos.
Mr. Wilkins was born October 27, 1923 in Pond Creek, Oklahoma to Neil and Elizabeth Wilkins. After his service in World War II, he graduated from Oklahoma A&M, now Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma.
Survivors include his wife of 25 years, Rosa Gonzales Wilkins. He is also survived by 3 sons and 2 daughters, Robert, Canadian, OK, Curtis, Glen Flora, TX and Dr. Charles E. Wilkins, Farmington, NM, Jackie Garcia, Lockhart, TX and Mrs. Jody (Maria) Marling, Wallis, TX and one brother John M. Wilkins of Nash, OK. Survivors also include 16 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends and relatives from 6pm to 8pm Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2010 at the Wharton Funeral Home in Wharton, TX. Funeral service will be 10:00 AM Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2010 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Wharton with Father Lance Ousley officiating. Interment will be 3:00 PM Wednesday at Hartsville Cemetery near Wallis, TX. Pallbearers will be Burke Wilkins, Aram Hasson, Michael Wilkins, Rubin Leal, Jr., Nathan Wilkins and John Wilkins, Jr. Honorary pallbearers include the attending physicians of the VA Medical Center in Temple, Dr. Charles Griffin of Austin VA, the staff of Vista Care Hospice, Ruben Leal, Sr., Ricky Marin, Jody Marling and Dino Myers. Memorials may be made to Vista Care Hospice in San Marcos TX.