Donald Wilkins

Life’s Journey

Donald Eugene Wilkins

Those we love remain with us for love itself lives on,

And cherished memories never fade because a loved one’s gone. . .

Those we love can never be more than a thought apart

For as long as there is memory, they’ll live on in the heart.

Donald Eugene Wilkins was born on February 10, 1951, in Denver, Colorado to his parents, Robert James Wilkins, Sr., and Betty Carpenter Wilkins.  He was the third child born in the family.  He was raised surrounded by his brothers, Raymond and Robert “Bobby;” and his sisters, Gloria, Margaret, and Patricia “Patty.”  As a child, he worked alongside his brother, Raymond cutting lawns.  He enjoyed playing basketball and he participated with the Colorado Hilanders, where he played the trumpet.

Donald received his formal education in Denver, Colorado and graduated from George Washington High School. In 1969, he enlisted in the United States Navy.  He was stationed in San Diego, California. While serving his country, he earned a National Defense Service Medal.  He served with honor and distinction and was honorably discharged.

In 1970, Donald married, the former Abbey Patricia Brown.  They first met in San Fransisco, California.  To this union, Daymond and Dana were born.  They shared many happy and precious moments together.  He later wed, Patricia Johnson.  They first met in Denver, Colorado.  Their were no children born to this union.  Donald was later blessed with a granddaughter, KaylaToye, whom he affectionately called “babycakes.”  She fondly remembers visiting him in Texas for two months and being able to stay with him.  They would talk, laugh, and joke.  She remembers every happy and precious moment they spent together. “Papa” as she called him, was kind and loving.

As his health began to decline, his personality remained the same.  “Precious are the memories, oh how they will linger.”

By profession, Donald was employed by the Denver Police Department as a Police Officer. He worked with University Hospital as an Engineer, and Waste Management.  Wherever employed, he performed his duties with a spirit of excellence.

A man of faith and belief in the Lord, Donald joined Zion Baptist Church in Denver, Colorado.  He joined the church under the pastoral leadership of the late, Reverend Wendell T. Liggins.  He had been a member for over seventeen years.

Donald was a fun-loving man, who enjoyed life and those he encircled.  In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, watching his favorite football team, The Oakland Raiders, and watching Science Fiction Movies.  He was known for wearing Kangol hats.  His closest friends, Gary Johnson and Tony Humphries will miss the comraderies they shared together and the fact that he was a true and trusted friend.  His smile and willingness to help others will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known this one of a kind guy.

To know Donald was to love him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Betty Wilkins; 2 brothers, Raymond L. Evans, and Robert W. Wilkins; 2 sisters, Gloria Frances, and Patricia L. Wilkins.

Donald Eugene Wilkins departed this life welcoming the embrace of the Lord on July 31, 2021, in Aurora, Colorado.  Those left cherish his memory and mourn his loss include one son, Daymond E. (Latoyia) Wilkins of Raleigh, NC; one daughter, Dana L. Wilkins of Aurora, Colorado; his sister, Margaret L. Wilkins of Cleburne, TX; his granddaughter, KaylaToye A. Wilkins of Aurora, CO; his devoted nieces, Chaunetta R. Wilkins of Ft. Worth, TX, Chontelle (Tony) Williams-Humphrey of Aurora, CO, and Toymeikan “Toy” J. Wilkins of Ft. Worth, TX; his sister in law, Gwendolyn Evans of Denver, CO; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends.