Born in Ithaca, New York in 1948 to Robert and Helen Wilkins, Ken was the eldest of four boys. As a rambunctious and curious youngster, Ken and his brothers gave their parents a run for their money. As he grew older, he focused those energies on the military, and coming from a family with a long military history, Ken joined the United States Marine Corps, volunteering, in a time when the draft was enacted. As a Marine, Ken participated in 12 operations, including the famed Operation Dewey Canyon, for which the Marines received the Presidential Unit Citation. The men that Ken served with became his closest friends and family, men he kept in touch with until he passed away.
Upon returning from his service in Vietnam, Ken met his wife Maxine (Barry) and began a long career in the United States Postal Service. He and Maxine started their family in upstate New York, eventually settling in Pennsylvania, making lifelong friends along the way. Ken retired after many years as a Postmaster, and he and Maxine made their way to Tennessee to be near their grandchildren. Ken's final years were spent in his favorite role - Grandpa. He loved his children dearly, and he relished being a Grandpa. He was immensely proud of his grandchildren - and they adored him. Whether he was rock tumbling, racing cars, letting them paint his fingernails, watching movies or talking for hours about life, the time he spent with his grandchildren was precious to him.
Ken is survived by his wife Maxine and children, Sarah (Gregory) Kulas, Susan (Zachary) Machuga, Jennifer (Brandi) Burnham and Charles (Natalia) Young, grandchildren Ian, Kiira, Alexander, Viera, Enora, Lily, Ella, Jullian and Garen. He is also survived by his brother Robert (Noreen) Wilkins, uncle Glen (Jennifer) Beardsley, many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Helen (Beardsley) Wilkins, and two of his brothers Arnold Wilkins and John Wilkins.
A private family service will be held.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Fisher House Foundation, Inc., 12300 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, MD 20852.
Arrangements especially for Mr. Kenneth Robert Wilkins and his family have been made through Monte Vista Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 1900 E. Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, TN; 423-282-2631.
