Onzie Wilkins Jr.

Onzie Lee Wilkins, Jr. was born om October 30, 1948, in Denver, Colorado to his parents, Elaine E. Rowlette Wilkins and Onzie Lee Wilkins, Sr.  He was the first child born to this union.  When Onzie was two years old, his sister, Debbie was born.  The two had a bond of love and trust that would stay strong and unbreakable throughout their lives.

When Onzie parents divorced, they were raised by their mother.  A few years later, she married Fred Scott.  Fred was a career Air Force serviceman and the family began their tours.  They first moved to Lockhart, Texas.  While in Lockhart, a baby boy named, Douglas was born.  After Texas, the family moved to Rome, New York, Alamogordo, New Mexico, and Naha, Okinawa.  After twelve years of moving around and experiencing different cultures, The Scott/Wilkins family returned to Denver.

Onzie entered East High School, where he completed his education.  Shortly after high school, Onzie enlisted in the United States Army.  He was stationed in Vietnam.  During this tour, he was injured.  He returned home after being wounded with a body full of shrapnel. He was in Fitzsimmons Army Hospital and rehabilitation for several months.  He underwent surgeries and was never without pain for the rest of his life.  Even though he was in pain and suffered from the nightmarish memories of Vietnam.  Onzie still tried to smile and make jokes.  It was always in his nature to try and make other2 feel good.

In 1974, Onzie married longtime girlfriend, Patricia Jones.  To this union, two sons, Onzie Lee Wilkins, III and Jarel Anthony Wilkins were born.  They were the joy and pride of his life.  After 18 years of marriage the marriage was dissolved.  As Onzie weathered the numerous trials and tribulations of his life, he did it his way and did the very best that he knew how to do.  He loved his sons very much.

Onzie was a fun-loving man, who enjoyed life the only way he knew how.  He was a natural giver always wanting to lend a helping hand to others.   He loved working with his hands and was a Horticulturist.  He could manicure a lawn that was out of this world.  He was meticulous and precise with his skills.  He also had a love for older model cars and going to car shows.  He loved music, dancing, singing, and was a die-hard Bronco fan.  He was a man who never met a stranger and had a heart of gold.  He will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known this kind and wonderful man.  To know Onzie was to love him.

He is preceded in death by a son, Onzie Lee Wilkins, III; his father, Onzie Lee Wilkins, Sr. and his mother, Elaine E. Rowlette Wilkins.

Onzie Lee Wilkins, Jr. departed this life to the embrace of the Lord on December 30, 2021, in Denver, Colorado.  Those left to cherish his memory and mourn his loss include his son, Jerel A. Wilkins of Denver, Colorado; 2 sisters, E. Debra (James) Scott-Frye of Denver, Colorado and Victoria Schells of Calvert, Texas; 2 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; brother, Roy Wilkins of Tucson, Arizona; niece and nephew, Tyra and Johnny White of Denver; cousin, Jesse Wilkins of Denver; close cousins, Ada Morrow Smith of Texas, Bartel Broussard of Washington, DC, and Anthony Morrow of California; aunts and uncles, Cheryl, Ben, Patricia, Jewell, Michael Rowlette; other nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and many friends.