Donald Lee Wilkins

Donald Lee Wilkins 86, devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and great-great grandfather passed away peacefully on Monday, March 2, 2015 surrounded by his loving children. He was the 3rd child of Ralph and Myrtle Wilkins and treasured his agrarian childhood he shared with his brother and sisters. He was a graduate of Southport High School. Don joined the Army in August 1946 and served our country in the 11th Airborne – Pacific Division, and was certified as a Parachutist and Gliderist . He was part of the occupational force in Japan after World War II and Honorably Discharged in July of 1949.

Through mutual friends, he met the true love of his life, Mary Margaret Swartz in 1949 and made her his wife on August 26, 1950. Don and Mary Margaret remained beautifully and blissfully married for 58 years and were true examples of Christian Marriage until Mary Margaret’s death in 2008. He was a member of St. Jude Catholic Church.

Don began his career with Allison’s Gas Turbine in 1950 and retired in 1987. He and Mary Margaret thoroughly enjoyed their retirement years with many friends and enjoyed making new friends on their yearly trips to Florida. Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Margaret; son, Brian Wilkins; grandson, Ethan Wilkins; brother, Gerald; sister Peggy; and survived by a sister, Carol (Dougherty).

Together, Don and Mary Margaret leave behind a legacy of love and commitment through their beautiful family: Christopher (Christy Padgett), Patrick (Rita), Terry (Dana) of Delafield WI, Don (Leigh), Jeff (Leslie) of Saline, MI, Julie Zahn (Tim). Don and Mary Margaret were very proud of their family and spent many hours of their free time with their beautiful 20 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Roncalli High School.

Visitation will be held Friday March 6th from 4:00-8:00 PM at Little & Sons Funeral Home Stop 11 Chapel, and a Rosary will follow at 8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Saturday March 7th at 11:00 AM at St. Jude Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

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