David D. Wilkinson

David D. Wilkinson, 76, passed away Saturday morning, November 17, 2018, at his home. He was born Christmas Day, 1941, in Mansfield, Ohio to the late Ralph A. Wilkinson and Susan (Franko) Wilkinson Duffy.

He graduated from Mansfield Senior High School and then entered the U.S. Navy. He served aboard the submarine, USS Sea Robin, during the Vietnam War era. In the 1970s, he played drums with the Mingo Junction Band, and also played banjo and clarinet in his younger years. David retired from Therm-O-Disc in the Maintenance Department. He enjoyed working on his computer and tinkering with electronics.

David married his beautiful bride, Brenda Keenan, in 1981. He was loving, kind, and the very best husband and dad. His sense of humor brought much laughter to his family. Brave, responsible and intelligent are a few of the traits that made David the uniquely special man he was. He was the very definition of a family man, always protecting and caring for the ones he loved. He had many friends at the VFW, where he was a long time member.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Brenda Keenan Wilkinson; two sons, Dan Wilkinson and David A. (Verlinda) Wilkinson, both of Butler; two daughters, Laura (David) Walker of Mansfield and Amber (Brian) Badamy of Steubenville; six grandchildren, Alexis White, Austyn Ramirez, Tamra, Levi and Isabella Badamy and Benjamin Wilkinson; four great-grandchildren, James, Kaya and one on the way Wilkinson, and Joseph White. He is also survived by two brothers, Charles (Shirley) Wilkinson of Washington and Ronald (Mary) Wilkinson of Mansfield; his beloved puppy, Sophia; and numerous nieces, nephews and other dear relatives. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Charlotte Markosian.

A gathering of family and friends will be held Saturday, November 24, 2018, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of North Central Ohio or the Richland County Dog Shelter.