Robert Earl Wilkins

Robert Earl Wilkins, 99, passed away December 20, 2024 at Edgemere Retirement Community in Dallas, Texas. He was born June 25, 1925 in Geneva, Nebraska to Earl H. and Grace W. Wilkins. His two brothers Hugh F. and William W. Wilkins preceded him in death. His wife Gladys G. Wilkins passed away in 2017. He is survived by his sister Beth Margaret Wilkins and family listed below.

Robert was a graduate of the University of Nebraska, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Delta Upsilon. He served in the United States Army 1945-1946. Continuing his education, he graduated from Stanford Graduate School of Business with an MBA in 1949. He and Gladys married in Geneva, Nebraska April 14, 1949. They moved to Des Moines, Iowa where he began work for the Bankers Life, now Principal Financial Group. He retired as a vice president of the company in 1990. He was a CFA, chartered financial analyst. Robert served on the board of the Geneva State Company until the time of his death. He loved discussing all aspects of making the bank successful.

Robert loved investing, sailing, cars, astronomy, ham radio operating, managing his two charitable foundations, and attending church and Bible Study. He was a member of Plymouth Congregational Church in Des Moines, Iowa for the many years he lived in Des Moines. He served as a deacon in the church. He attended Edgemere Chapel in Dallas during his years in Dallas. Robert enjoyed serving on the Chapel Committee. He built his first sailboat from a kit in his garage in Des Moines and ended up sailing out of Dana Point Harbor on the Pacific Ocean.

Robert and his family appreciate all those who helped him live a good life in Dallas. Caregivers IJ and Alice were especially attentive to all his needs.

The family has three sons, Robert Stuart, John Charles and James David Wilkins and one daughter, Margaret Elizabeth Kilgore. Rob is married to Diane and they have a son Stephen and daughter Elizabeth Ross. Rob and Diane’s daughter Katie predeceased her grandfather. Steve has two daughters, Mia and and Demera. Liz and her husband Jason Ross have two daughters, Breanna and Hanna, and a son Andrew. John is married to Marti and their children are Sarah Tuller, married to Scott; Matt, married to Laura; and Eric, married to Katherine. Sarah and Scott have a son, Brooks. Matt and Laura have a daughter Eloise. Eric and Katherine have a son, Bennett. Margaret is married to David Kilgore and their children are Anna, Paul, Grace, Madeleine McBee , married to Michael, and Claire Kroese, married to Ben.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 11 at 3:00 P.M. in the Performing Arts Center at Edgemere Retirement Community, 8523 Thackery Street Dallas, Texas 75225. The Reverend Thomas Smith will officiate.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Robert E. and Gladys G. Wilkins Charitable Foundation. They may be sent to John Wilkins Heartland Bank 896 G Street Geneva, Nebraska 68361.