INDIANAPOLIS
Donald Lee Wilkins, 86, devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather, passed away peacefully Monday, March 2, 2015, surrounded by his loving children. He was a resident of Indianapolis.
He was the third child of Ralph and Myrtle Wilkins and treasured his agrarian childhood he shared with his brother and sisters.
He was a graduate of Southport High School.
Don joined the Army in August 1946 and served our country in the 11th Airborne Pacific Division and was certified as a parachutist and gliderist. He was part of the occupation force in Japan after World War II and honorably discharged in July 1949.
Through mutual friends, he met the true love of his life, Mary Margaret Swartz, in 1949 and made her his wife on Aug. 26, 1950. Don and Mary Margaret remained beautifully and blissfully married for 58 years and were true examples of Christian marriage until Mary Margaret’s death in 2008.
He was a member of St. Jude Catholic Church.
Don began his career with Allison Gas Turbine Division of General Motors Corp. in 1950 and retired in 1987.
He and Mary Margaret thoroughly enjoyed their retirement years with many friends and enjoyed making new friends on their yearly trips to Florida.
Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Margaret; a son, Brian Wilkins; grandson, Ethan Wilkins; brother, Gerald; and sister, Peggy. He is survived by a sister, Carol (Dougherty).
Together, Don and Mary Margaret leave behind a legacy of love and commitment through their beautiful family: Christopher (Christy Padgett), Patrick (Rita), Terry (Dana) of Delafield, Wisconsin, Don (Leigh), Jeff (Leslie) of Saline, Michigan, and Julie Zahn (Tim). Don and Mary Margaret were very proud of their family and spent many hours of their free time with their beautiful 20 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Little & Sons Funeral Home Stop 11 Chapel, 4901 E. Stop 11 Road, Indianapolis, where a rosary will be recited at 8 p.m. Friday. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Jude Catholic Church, 5353 McFarland Road, Indianapolis. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Indianapolis.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Roncalli High School, in care of the funeral home.
Information: www.littleandsonsindianapolis.com
