Edward Wilkins

ESSEX—Edward Eugene Wilkins, 67, of Essex, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021 at Edwards Hospital in Naperville, IL.
Born July 31, 1953 in Richland Center, WI, he was a son of Edward Earl and Jean Marie (nee Himes) Wilkins. Edward graduated from Joliet West High School with the class of 1971. He retired from the Braidwood Nuclear Generating Station after 30 years of employment. Edward was a former elder at the Shepherd of Peace Lutheran Church in Braidwood and a current member of the River of Life Lutheran Church- Missouri-Synod in Channahon, IL.
He was an avid fisherman, duck hunter, and overall was a great outdoors man. After retirement he enjoyed working at the South Wilmington Sportsman Club and volunteering at the youth hunts and many other activities they offered.
Surviving are his beloved wife of 48 years, Barbara Leah (nee Rudd) Wilkins, of Essex, who he married July 15, 1972 at the St. Peters Lutheran Church in Joliet; three sons: Edward M. (Jeanine) Wilkins, of Frankfort, IL; Patrick R. (Nicole) Wilkins, of Wheaton, IL and Clint (Elizabeth) Wilkins, of Braidwood; eight grandchildren: Eddie, Dakota, Skylar, Amber, Joshua, Elijah, Magdalyn and Nolan; three siblings: Robert (Gwen) Wilkins, of Zellwood, FL; Debra (Paul) Merzlock, of Joliet and Kirk (Sheila) Wilkins, of Braidwood and numerous nieces, nephews, and their families.
Visitation for Edward will be at the R.W. Patterson Funeral Home and Crematory, Braidwood, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021 from 12-4 p.m., with a funeral service beginning at 4 p.m. Cremation rites will be accorded following services.
All attendees are required to wear face coverings, follow social distancing guidelines, and due to the capacity requirements, please be brief with your condolences to allow other guests to pay their final respects.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his name to the River of Life Lutheran Church or the American Cancer Society would be appreciated.
For more information and to visit his online guestbook, log on to www.rwpattersonfuneralhomes.com.
R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory, 401 E. Main St., Braidwood is in charge of arrangements.

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