Fred Thurman Wilkinson

CRANE Fred Thurman Wilkinson died peacefully at home on October 28, 2015.

He was born on the family ranch in Menard County, Texas, on July 12, 1926, to Charles and Virginia Wilkinson. He graduated from Menard High School and attended Texas A&M University for two years before serving in the U. S. Navy. After his service in the navy he completed his degree in Animal Husbandry graduating from Texas A&M in 1949.

Fred began his 32 year career with the Texas Agricultural Extension Service in Hudspeth County in 1949. While there he met the love of his life, Amanda (Mimi) Lee Berry. They married on June 5, 1951. Fred and Amanda’s first daughter was born while they lived in Sierra Blanca.

In 1954, the family moved to Crane, Texas, where their second daughter was born. Fred was the first county extension agent in Crane County and held that position for 26 years. Fred developed and ardently devoted much of his time and effort to a large and successful 4-H program in Crane that greatly influenced many young people as well as adults. Fred wanted everyone to be included in 4-H and did “behind-the-scenes” work to make sure they were.

Fred was highly respected among his peers and was known as one of the top sheep experts in Texas. He was extremely active in his church, politics, Crane Lions Club, and other various activities in the Crane community. Fred also created the American Cancer Society dinner theater and the Chuckles Gang while in Crane. He served as president of the Sandhills Stockshow and Rodeo, as well as serving many years as director of the lamb show for the same organization. Due to his diligent work and planning, Fred received several local and state awards.

He was preceded in death by his parents Charles McClure and Virginia Adeleine Wilkinson, and his siblings Charles McClure Wilkinson Jr., Winnie Lois Wilkinson Oates, and William Anderson Wilkinson; in-laws Roger Oates, Josephine Wilkinson, and Charles Gayle Berry.

Fred is survived by his wife, Amanda (Mimi) of the home; daughters Virginia (Genna) Gayle and LaCour Clark of Odessa; Lois Anne and Clint Bell of Crane; grandchildren Fred McClure and Brinn Wallace of Reno, Louisa Logan Bell-Rhodes and Thomas Rhodes of Ft. Worth, Charles Clinton Bell of Crane, and Mackenzie Gayle Barnett of Denver; and great-grandchild Jackson McClure Wallace of Reno; in-laws Jimmie Wilkinson, Buddy and Frances Berry, and Cheri Berry; and several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are under the direction of Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Crane, Texas, on Friday, October 30 at 2:00.

Memorials may be sent to the Crane County 4-H Club at 900 West 6th St., Crane, Texas, 79731.