Ross Wilkinson

Ross was born in Parsons, Kansas, on July 30, 1943 to Katherine and Robert Hawkins.

Ross attended schools in Parsons, Kansas, and graduated from Labette County High School. He attended Tulsa Welding School, completed an apprenticeship, and became a Journeyman plumber in 1966. Ross was proud to be a 3rd generation plumber. After adding numerous certifications, he had a diverse career and worked on many different locations, including nuclear power plants, refineries, airports, hospitals, and schools.

In 1966, he married a Parsons girl, Carol Williams. They celebrated 59 years of marriage on September 2, 2025.

As a young man, Ross loved motorcycles and tools. There weren't many tools he did not have, and he could fix just about anything.

After retiring in 1998, Ross and Carol traveled extensively, both in the US and abroad, and visited all 50 states. They saved their trip to Hawaii, the 50th state, for their 50th anniversary.

Ross was generous with his talents. He loved giving a helping hand to family, friends, and neighbors. He served on his church’s Building and Grounds committee and helped to build handicap ramps for the Rebuild Together program.

After the love for his family, Ross and Carol cherished the 23 years of traveling in their Allure motorhome together. They traveled to numerous states as volunteers for ROAM (RVs on A Mission).

Once the RV adventures came to an end, Ross enjoyed spending time at their lake house, and riding Ruby, his golf cart.

Ross was preceded in death by his mother; father; adopted father, Floyd Wilkinson; and his step fathers, Swede Hammett and Paul Rogers.

Ross leaves behind his wife, Carol, and their two sons: R. Scott Wilkinson (Christy) and Brad Wilkinson (Dione); three grandchildren Chet Wilkinson (Zoe), R. Alex Wilkinson, and Katelyn Wilkinson; and one great granddaughter, Rae Wilkinson — All residing in the Kansas City, Missouri area.

A Celebration of Life will be announced later and a family graveside service will be held in the spring at Memorial Lawn Cemetery, Parsons, Kansas.