February 15, 1931 ~ August 26, 2016
Bartlesville, OK resident Paul Eugene Wilkins, 85, moved to his heavenly home on August 26, 2016. Paul was born on February 15, 1931 and grew up in Oklahoma City, OK where he graduated from North East High School. He attended the University of Oklahoma, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.
While attending OU he was a member of the Air Force ROTC where he was the captain of the esteemed rifle team and won highpoint in all matches which the team competed his senior year, 1953.
While attending OU he met the love of his life Jean Bailey, whom he married on August 29, 1952.
After graduating, Paul served in the United States Air Force for two years at Wright Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio. Following his honorable discharge from active duty on June 19, 1956 he continued serving in the Air Reserves until July 1965. In June 1956,
Paul and his wife moved to Bartlesville where Paul began his professional career with Philips 66 Petroleum Company serving in numerous engineering assignments throughout his 30 years of service. In May 1970, Paul received a Master's Degree in Engineering via an off-campus program through the Oklahoma State University graduating with honors. After Paul's official retirement from Phillips Petroleum Company in 1986 he became certified as a real estate appraiser and licensed in real estate sales then joined his wife in real estate sales and management.
Paul and Jean served in church ministries throughout their 60 years of membership at First United Methodist Church, now Bartlesville First Church where they were a member of the 50-50 class. He also served as a lay pastor and was called upon to speak in other churches.
Paul and Jean enjoyed many social activities including local and regional square dance clubs, monthly gourmet clubs and travel groups. Throughout Paul's life he enjoyed running as exercise and a sport. He participated in marathons and other distance races around the regional area. Paul loved hiking the mountains of Colorado where he enjoyed sharing the beauty of God's creation with his family. He was an avid fly fisherman, hunter, and marksman. As a member of the Bartlesville Shooting Club, he spent many retirement days, shooting skeet with his 410. He will be remembered for his frequent 25/25 rounds.
Paul was preceded in death, just 12 days prior, by his beloved wife Clarice Jean (Bailey) Wilkins. Also, by his parents Mac William and Maud Opal (Crist) Wilkins. Paul is survived by two daughters, Paula Dunlap and Mike of Bartlesville, Jana Wilkins of Bartlesville and a son Doug Wilkins and Kim of West Columbia, Texas, eight grandchildren Ryan Dunlap and Bridget, Travis Dunlap and Sophia, Kelsey Dunlap, Jeanne Helm and Sean, Lauren Shelton and Tyler, Brian Howell and Michelle, Taylor Wilkins, Karly Wilkins and six great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers a fund has been established for Paul E. Wilkins with the Bartlesville Community Foundation, 208 East 4th Street, Bartlesville, Oklahoma, 74003.
Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at Bartlesville First Church, 4715 Price Road, Bartlesville, Oklahoma with Dr. Kevin Tully officiating.
Memorial services and cremation are under the direction of the Stumpff Funeral Home & Crematory.
Friends who wish may sing the online guest book and leave condolences at www.stumpff.org