Donald Wilkinson

July 8, 1931 - July 8, 2010

Donald Lamar Wilkinson, 79, of Springville, Utah (formally of Blackfoot, Idaho) passed away Thursday, July 8, 2010 after a valiant battle with Parkinsons and dementia. He has now joined his precious wife in a much happier and peaceful place. Donald was born on February 27, 1931 in Blackfoot, Idaho to Albert Lorenzo Wilkinson and Esther Alberta Jensen Wilkinson, His siblings are Blanche (Edward) Humerick (deceased),Dorothy (Tom) Kenley of Rupert, Idaho, Delmer "Bud" (Elsie) (deceased), Clarence (Barbara) (deceased), and Ruth (deceased). He grew up in Blackfoot, Idaho, attending Blackfoot High School. Donald was a Private First Class in the Korean War. His faith in the Lord and listening to and obeying His promptings enabled him to survive the war and return home unharmed. Donald served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in California for 2 years. On August 15, 1963, Donald married Rosella Marie Pierson in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. To this marriage came one daughter, Donette Marie. Following their marriage, they lived in Blackfoot, Idaho until their health made it necessary for them to have more help to ensure their safety and that their needs were met. In August of 2006, they moved to Springville, Utah to live with their daughter, Donette (Tom) Robertson and her family. Six days after the death of Don's wife in May 2010, Don became ill and entered the hospital and then to a nursing home in Springville were he passed away in the loving arms of his wife. During the years that he lived in Blackfoot, he worked construction for Gale Lim and as a therapy tech for the State Hospital South. Throughout his life he was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a longtime member of the Blackfoot Third Ward. He served in many positions including ward clerk for many years. He knew and practiced the true love of charity with his wife caring for many widows and friends in their neighborhood. Don loved to do latch hook rugs and word search puzzles by the hours. He was a patriot, loving his country and serving her proudly. He loved and enjoyed his grandsons. He enjoyed his cats and dogs. He is survived by his daughter Donette (Tom) Robertson of Springville, Utah. He is the grandfather to 4 darling grandsons: Thomas, Aaron, Stephan and Kaelob Dance and 2 granddaughters, Elizabeth and Kelsey Robertson. He has adopted many friends (Including Matt Rainey and Mike Creviston) as grandsons as well. Foster dad to Debbie, Ronita, Marie, Beverly, Deana, Ivora and Marie from the LDS Indian Placement program. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday July 14, 2010 at 1:00 pm at the Utah Valley Deaf Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel, 865 South 500 West, Provo Utah. Family will meet with friends and relatives from 11:30 am to 12:45 pm at the church prior to the services. Interment will follow at the Springville Evergreens Cemetery following the services. Condolences may be sent to the family through www.bergmortuary.com or [email protected]