Joseph Wilkinson, Jr, 94, of Brazoria, Texas, formerly of Newton, Texas, went home to be with his heavenly Father on July 18, 2019. He was born in Newton on November 17, 1924 to Joseph Wilkinson, Sr. and Ada Pearl (Siau) Wilkinson. In 1944, Joe married his beautiful high school sweetheart, Ola Elizabeth Farr. They celebrated 75 wonderful years of marriage.
Joe graduated from Newton High School in 1942 and was drafted by the Army in 1943. He served his country during World War II, with his last tour of duty in the Philippines. After his military service, Joe attended Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University. He was employed by Merchants National Bank in Port Arthur, Texas for twenty-seven years. During this time he served as a commercial loan officer and as Vice President. In September 1973, he moved to First National Bank of Newton, Texas where he served as President for nine years before retirement.
Joe was active in civic clubs in both Port Arthur and Newton. He was a 32nd degree Master Mason who belonged to the Scottish Rite and Shriners for over 50 years. He was a member of Rainbow Lodge #735 in Newton. Joe taught Sunday school and served for fifteen years as a Deacon in First Baptist Church of Newton. After relocating to Brazoria in 2011, he served as a Deacon Emeritus at First Baptist Church of Brazoria.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Elouise (Obie) Denman and Melda Sue Wilkinson.
Joe is survived by his wife, Ola, and his sons, Joseph III (Cheryl) and Dale Arthur (Melyndia). He is also survived by his brother, Weldon (Tommie) Wilkinson, grandchildren Stacy (Keith) Hartsell, Elizabeth (Bill) McDaniel, Jay (Tonya) Wilkinson, Wade (Jennifer) Wilkinson and Charles Wilkinson, and ten great-grandchildren.
Joe will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, friend, and servant of God.
There will be a visitation on Sunday, July 21 at Restwood Funeral Home in Clute from 2-4 and on Monday, July 22 at Smith Funeral Home in Newton from 6-8. Funeral services will be officiated by Bro. Mike Smith and Bro. Greg Smith on Tuesday, July 23 at Smith Funeral Home at 11:00. Burial following at Wilkinson Cemetery.
Serving as pallbearers are: Jay Wilkinson, Wade Wilkinson, Keith Hartsell, Joey Wilkinson, Rowdy Wilkinson, Robert Wilkinson, Carter Riley, Riley Guillory, and honorary pallbearer, Kenneth Weeks
