SALT LAKE CITY--Wilbur Eugene "Gene" Wilkins, Jr., 66, beloved husband, father and grandfather, died December 4, 1998 of a cardiac arrest.
He was born October 20, 1932, in Greenville, Pennsylvania, son of Wilbur Eugene Wilkins, Sr. and Lucille Caroline Hintz. He attended Greenville High School where he was Senior Class President and active in sports and practical jokes. Upon graduating from high school in 1950, he moved with his family to Salt Lake City, where he attended the University of Utah, graduating with a BS in Civil Engineering. He later earned a BS in Finance, an MBA, and became a Certified Financial Planner. Gene loved learning and made a life-long hobby out of studying. He constantly had a book, article or newspaper in his hands.Following his graduation from college, he served in the US Army, later retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He was employed by Chicago Bridge and Iron Co. for 29 years, his work taking him to Alabama, Pennsylvania, California and Utah. He was involved with many professional organizations. He was self employed, working in property management at the time of his death. He was married to Patricia Anderson on October 9, 1956, in Pleasant Grove, Utah. Their marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on January 28, 1966. He was a convert to the LDS Church and he loved the gospel, and enjoyed studying scriptures and attending Institute classes. He served diligently in many capacities in the church including Sunday School teacher and superintendent, Counselor in the Elder's Quorum Presidency, Counselor in the Bishopric, Scout Master and High Priest Group Leader. He was currently serving as Stake Extraction Director. It was his great desire to serve as a full-time church missionary.
Gene was an original work, a humble and good-hearted man who enjoyed the simple things in life. He donated anonymously to many charitable organizations, and was never too busy to help a stranger in need. He loved his family and was so proud of his children and grandchildren. We will miss him dearly and take comfort in the smiles that his memory will forever bring to our faces. "Gene the Bean, the last of the free spenders, big tippers and fun to be with!"
He is survived by his wife, Patricia, of Salt Lake City; children, Alec (Sherry) Wilkins and Edie (Kyle) Kershaw, both of Salt Lake City; Margaret (Jeffrey) Matthews, Issaquah, WA; Lucy Wilkins, Parowan, Utah; grandchildren, Alec Jr., Angie, Adam, and Nicole Wilkins; Ryan, Matthew and Seth Kershaw; Taylor and Daxton Matthews; sister, Caroline (Darvel) Hansen, Newark, NJ; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 8, 1998, at 11 a.m., at the East Millcreek 2nd & 9th Ward, 3750 South Hillside Lane (2600 E.). Friends may call Monday evening, from 7 to 9 p.m., at the Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 South 2300 East, and at the church on Tuesday for one hour prior to the services. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his name to a charity of your choice. Interment: Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park. Funeral Directors: The Holbrook Mortuary.
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