John Charles Wilkins (1943-2019)
John Charles Wilkins, age 76, passed away in his home at Willis Texas on November 24, 2019, after a difficult battle with cancer.
John was born on February 6, 1943 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Charles Frederick and Velma "Jewel" Wilkins. He Attended Daniel Webster high school in Tulsa, where he lettered in baseball and basketball. He graduated in 1961.
John was highly recruited by the pros to play major league baseball, and also play at the college level. John was offered full scholarships in both baseball and basketball at Oklahoma State University. John played shortstop for the OSU cowboys, and lettered in 1963 and 1964. John loved baseball, basketball and football, but he loved the Houston Astros the most. His final year of life, he became a season ticket holder. In addition to his passion for sports, John loved being on the water. He owned several boats in his lifetime, and he enjoyed fishing and water skiing. In his later years, he enjoyed taking his wife and family on the lake. Together, John and Mary were as comfortable on their boat, as they were travelling by car. John loved the old West. He and his wife Mary often took trips to the hill country of Texas just to see the old towns with such history.
After college, John went on to become a professional land records manager in the burgeoning oil industry starting with the Williams Exploration company in Tulsa, and then retiring with the Apache Corporation in Houston.
More than anything, John loved his children, their spouses, and grandchildren. The last year of his life, he spent reconnecting with family, and spending time with his grandchildren.
John was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 37 years, Mary Carolyn Wilkins, his brother Bob Wilkins, and his parents, Charles and Velma. John and Mary doted on one another, and found the lives they had always wanted together.
He is survived by children from his first marriage to Evelyn Robison: daughter Susan Lucas (Rich), son Steven Wilkins (Ronnie) and Stacie O'Meilia (John). From his first children, he had ten grandchildren; Preston Leatherman, Payton Leatherman (Aubrey), Paxton Leatherman; Taylor Lucas, Riley Wilkins, Jenifer Caudle, Connor Wilkins, Seth Wilkins; Grady O'Meilia & Cate O'Meilia. John is also survived by his sister in law, Gail Wilkins-Snider, and cherished former son-in-law, Tracy Leatherman, and wife Teri.
Through his second marriage to Mary Wilkins, he was blessed with more children and grandchildren. He had two step children, Dr. Jay Smith and wife Melissa; and Becky Roley with husband Steve. They had two grandchildren each; Catherine Smith-Cox (Johnathan), Hannah Smith; and from Becky, Samantha Coles (Samuel); Jaqueline Kulka, and three great-grandchildren.