Neil A. Wilkins, Jr.

Neil A. “Grandpa” Wilkins, Jr., 86, passed away peacefully at his home in Lockhart on Oct. 8, 2010, after a short illness. Mr. Wilkins retired as Manager of Orienta Cooperative Elevator Association in Orienta, Okla., in 1980 and moved to Wharton, Texas, to help establish Glen Flora Farms, Inc. in Glen Flora, Texas.

After he ended his association with Glen Flora F

arms in 1986 he established a home in Lockhart, where he doted on his grandchildren when he wasn’t traveling to Louisiana to try his luck at the various casinos.

Mr. Wilkins was born Oct. 27, 1923, in Pond Creek, Okla., to Neil and Elizabeth Wilkins. After his service in World War II, he graduated from Oklahoma A&M, now Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Okla.

Survivors include his wife of 25 years, Rosa Gonzales Wilkins. He is also survived by three sons and two daughters: Robert, of Canadian, Okla., Curtis, of Glen Flora, Texas, and Dr. Charles E. Wilkins, of Farmington, N.M., and Jackie Garcia, of Lockhart and Mrs. Jody (Maria) Marling, of Wallis, Texas. He also leaves one brother, John M. Wilkins of Nash,Okla.; 16 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

The family received friends and relatives from 6 – 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2010, at the Wharton Funeral Home in Wharton, Texas. Funeral service was held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2010, at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Wharton with Father Lance Ousley officiating. Interment was scheduled at 3 p.m. on Wednesday at Hartsville Cemetery near Wallis, Texas. Chosen as pallbearers were: Burke Wilkins, Aram Hasson, Michael Wilkins, Rubin Leal, Jr., David Wilkins and John Wilkins, Jr. Honorary pallbearers include the attending physicians of the VA Medical Center in Temple, Dr. Charles Griffin of Austin VA, the staff of Vista Care Hospice, Ruben Leal, Sr., Ricky Marin, Jody Marling and Dino Myers.

Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.taylorbros.net. Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City, Texas. (979) 245-4613.