Winfred Wilkins
Winfred Wilkins wasn’t nicknamed “Pa” for nothing.
“After he retired, he worked at (Ed’s Quik Stop in Hallsville) and he would always offer the children who came in a Tootsie Pop,” his daughter Rhonda Daly said. “If kids came into the store and he wasn’t there, they would get upset and wonder where he was. He was called ‘Pa’ by everyone in Hallsville.”
Mr. Wilkins died Sunday, Aug. 10, 2008, at Audrain County Medical Center in Mexico, Mo. He was 85.
Mr. Wilkins was born on Nov. 8, 1922, in Hornersville to Jesse and Rachel (Lovewell) Wilkins.
He joined the U.S. Navy in June 1941 and served for six years in the South Pacific.
“He was very proud of his military service,” Daly said.
Mr. Wilkins married Inetha Farrell on Oct. 4, 1947, in Kennett.
He worked for the MU Mail System for more than 20 years.
“He was kind and warmhearted,” Daly said. “If anyone needed help with anything, he was always there for them. He was just a very loving person.”
Mr. Wilkins was also a pro at putting a smile on anyone’s face, his daughter said.
“Most people remember him for his wit,” Daly said. “He always had a joke or story to tell. He liked to have a good laugh.”
Mr. Wilkins is survived by two daughters, Rhonda Daly of Hallsville and Rae Ann Hendrickson of Palmer, Alaska; six grandsons, Scott Daly of Hallsville, Keith Daly of Columbia, Sgt. Jared Hendrickson of Richlands, N.C., Nathan Hendrickson of Anchorage, Alaska, and Dallas Hendrickson and Michael Hendrickson, both of Palmer, Alaska; five great-grandchildren; four nieces; and four nephews.
His wife, two brothers and seven sisters died earlier.
Visitation will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 W. Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association, 2400 Bluff Creek Drive, Columbia, MO 65201 or Missouri Veteran’s Home, 1 Veterans Drive, Mexico, MO 65265.
