Don Wayne Wilkins

January 13, 1931 - February 24, 2012

Mr. Donald Wayne (Don) Wilkins, 81, of Rocky Ford died on Friday, February 24th, 2012 peacefully at his residence. Donald was born in La Junta, CO on January 13, 1931, the son of the late Edwin Vershaw Wilkins and Leda Eileen (Brandt) Erhart. He attended schools in the Rocky Ford area. Don was the husband of Carole June (Morris) Wilkins. They were married on March 11, 1954 in Long Beach, CA, they were 2 weeks shy of their 58th anniversary. He served in the U.S. Army as a SP3. He worked as a Crane Operator at CF & I Steel Pueblo, CO., retiring after 26 years. Don had also owned and operated the Model Cleaners and Wilkins Laundromat both in Rocky Ford. He was a member of Valley Community Church in Rocky Ford, CO, Don was very committed and active in the church in various roles. He enjoyed being a private pilot and attending school activities after retiring. Don was dedicated to his family, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and his friends. He is survived by his wife, Carole of the home; Son Michael husband of Sandra Wilkins of Olathe, KS; Son Steven husband of Debbie Wilkins of Elbert, CO; Daughter Kathy wife of Paul Moyers of Rocky Ford, CO; Sister Tanya wife of Steve Grosvenor of Phoenix, AZ. He is also survived by 4 grandchildren: Steven, Nicole, Savannah & Amanda and 3 great-grandchildren. Funeral Services will be at the Valley Community Church, Rocky Ford, CO, at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, February 29th, with Pastor Kurt England and Pastor Wallace Kurtz officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 2-5 PM at Ford-Ustick Funeral Home. Interment will be in the Hillcrest Cemetery in Rocky Ford, CO. Memorials may be made to Arkansas Valley Hospice, 118 W. 4th La Junta, CO 81050. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ford-Ustick Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to www.fordustick.com.