Obituary of George H. Wilkin

George Harrison Wilkin, age 89, of Preston, Missouri, went home to be with the Lord on January 28, 2012, after a short illness. He was surrounded by friends and family holding his hands as he passed from this earth into Paradise. George was born August 29, 1922 to George William and Esther Herrel Wilkin in Chillicothe, Ohio. At age 4, George and his older sister Ruth Swaochka lived in the Veterans Childrens Home in Zenia, Ohio. He lived there until he graduated from high school, then moved in with his dad for a short time while he was attending college and worked. George became an Eagle Scout while attending High School. He loved to share his experiences about the challenge and difficulty it was to receive such an honor. He also enjoyed playing around with crystal radio sets and building things. He learned how to become a hard worker and do his best at whatever he strove to accomplish at his school and from caring adults who helped guide him in life. George was married to Frances Brooks in 1941. In this union he had three daughters. He served his country in the Army Air Force for two years and traveled much for the Government. He also taught night school in Engineering after he was out of the service. He moved to Holden, Missouri in 1963 and worked at Whiteman AFB in Warrensburg, Missouri. He again traveled all over the United States as a Quality Control Rep working mostly on the Missile Sites. In October of 1967 he married Karen Rhodes. They made their home at first in Holden, Missouri, then moved across the United States to several different states for his job with the Government. They moved back to Missouri for the birth of their first child in 1974. At that time he was retired for the U.S. Government. They were blessed with two beautiful children. They resided in Preston, Missouri for over 30 years and they celebrated their 44th Wedding Anniversary in October. George left behind his wife, Karen Wilkin; four daughters, Nancy Spears and her husband, Gilbert, of Anderson, Missouri, Brenda Henson and her husband, Don, of Holden, Missouri; Alicia Brady and her husband, Jeff, of Anderson, Missouri and Nicole Skinner of Preston, Missouri. He also leaves behind five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his only son, Joshua Michael Wilkin. He was also preceded in death by his Father and Mother, George and Esther Wilkin; his sister Ruth Swaochka and his in-laws, George and Velma Rhodes, along with some beloved nephews, brothers-in-law, and sister-in-law. He loved each one very much and always looked for the good qualities in them. He was so loved by so many and we will all miss him terribly. He will be deeply missed by all of his church friends, friends, family, and all those who knew him and loved him.