Ralph E. Wilkins, age 80, of Marion, IL and formerly of the Oakland County, MI where he worked and lived for forty-two years, passed away at 6:41 a.m. on Friday, January 15, 2010 in Fountains Nursing Center in Marion, IL.
He was born November 29, 1929, on the family farm near Stonefort, IL, the son of George and Peggy (Hancock) Wilkins.
Ralph was united in marriage to Alena Moore on June 10, 1957 in Pontiac, MI and together they shared over fifty-two years of marriage.
He answered the call of our nation by faithfully serving in the United States Army during the Korean War and received six Bronze Service Stars and was honorably discharged in 1952.
He was employed by General Motors Orion Plant in Lake Orion, MI for forty years and worked as a production worker and quality control technician until he retired in 1993. He was a member of the United Auto Workers Union. After returning to Southern Illinois in 1996 Ralph faithfully attended the Arnold View Free Will Baptist Church. He was a car enthusiast and purchased many new cars built by General Motors.
He enjoyed outdoor activities which included gardening, bee keeping, caring for his fruit trees and when time allowed he loved to fish.
He is survived by his wife, Alena Wilkins of Marion, IL; daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Bill Bush of Oxford, MI; two sons and one daughter-in-law, Ralph “Ed” and Mary Wilkins of Sparta, MI and Robert “Bob” Wilkins of Marion, IL; three granddaughters, Stephanie Bush, Emily Wilkins and Laura Bush; three grandsons, Nick Bush, Caleb Estrada and Billy Bush; three brothers and their wives, Mark and Vicky Wilkins of Stonefort, IL, Charles and Norma “Cookie” Wilkins of Stonefort, IL, Carl and Sondra Wilkins of Herrin, IL; two sisters-in-law, Pauline Wilkins of Carrier Mills, IL and Reathel Wilkins of Carrier Mills, IL; two brothers-in-law, Bill Moore and his wife, Darlene and Don Moore and his wife, Carolyn all of Fort Myers, FL, several nieces and nephews, other extended family members and many friends
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Wanda Hart and two brothers, James Wilkins and Doug Wilkins.
Arrangements for Ralph Wilkins were entrusted to the Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court Street, of Marion, IL.
A time of visitation for family and friends was from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00p.m. on Sunday, January 17th, at the funeral home.
During the time of visitation a “Reflection of Life” DVD Memorial Tribute featuring special people, places and events of Ralph’s life was presented to the family and friends.
The funeral service was at 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 18, 2010, at Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home with Rev. Ivan Ryan presiding.
The prelude and postlude musical selections were recorded piano selections.
Special vocal musical selections presented were “Amazing Grace My Chains are Gone” and “Be Still and Know” by Dan and Linda Kinde with recorded accompaniment.
Interment followed in Little Saline Cemetery near Stonefort, IL.
Pallbearers were Ed Wilkins, Bob Wilkins, Bill Bush, Nick Bush, Steve Wilkins and Shawn Wilkins.
The graveside committal service was by Rev. Ivan Ryan and vocalist, Linda Kinde presented “The Lord’s Prayer” acappella.
Military honors were accorded at the graveside by members of the Carrier Mills American Legion Post No. 364, Harrisburg American Legion Post No. 167 and the Illinois National Guard of Marion, IL.
After the committal service the family and friends gathered at Arnold View Freewill Baptist Church for a meal and continued time of fellowship.
For those who preferred memorial contributions were made to “Alzheimer Foundation”.
Memorial contribution envelopes were available at the funeral home or were mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, P.O. Box 370, Marion, IL 62959.
For additional information please call the funeral home at618-993-2131.
