Donald Dean “Joe” Wilkins passed into his eternal life on Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at 11:00 AM at the First Baptist Church of Coldwater, 102 Bishop Ave., preceded by a visitation beginning at 10:00 AM. Interment will be at 2:00 PM, also on Wednesday, December 15 at Evergreen Cemetery in Girard. A longer visitation will be held the day prior, on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 from 4:00-8:00 PM at Lighthouse Funeral & Cremation, 1276 Tate Trail in Union City. The family requests all attendees wear masks for their safety and that of those traveling to attend.
Born to Gerald and Norma (Sanford) Wilkins on Oct. 10, 1935, in Girard, Michigan, Joe was a well-traveled man who always knew the value of coming home, becoming a beloved and respected figure throughout the community over the years.
After graduating from Coldwater High School in 1953, Joe enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving two years until he was honorably discharged. Joe later found his work passion in barbering, spending over 50 years behind the barber chair in Union City, where his patrons felt like family.
Shortly after his return from the Army, in 1957, he met the love of his life, Sonya Maurer, and they were married the following year. The two began their lives as husband and wife in Coldwater, where they raised their three children and lived out their remaining years together.
In his free time, Joe enjoyed almost all sports, playing fast-pitch softball in the spring for 26 years, golfing in the summers, and bowling in the winters. He loved spending time with his many friends and loved ones throughout the community, becoming a member of many local organizations, including the Elks, Eagles, Moose, American Legion and Country Club. He was also a member of the First Baptist Church in Coldwater.
Joe was a generous man, appearing at many fundraisers over the years, and giving back to his community in countless ways. Above all, Joe’s top priority was his family, with countless weekends and holidays lovingly spent at the Wilkins household. He always looked forward to chances to make memories with his family, from canoeing trips and snowmobiling Up North, along with the annual trips to Cancun, Mexico.
In addition to his loving wife, Sonya, of 63 years, Joe is survived by his three children, Jodi (Keith) Eichler of Coldwater, Jill (David) Numbers, of Coldwater, and Joel (Angel) Wilkins, of Quincy; five grandchildren, Jodi (Giuseppe) Campo, of Livonia, Katlyn (Matthew) Wright and Kelsie Eichler, of Coldwater, Chase (Sarah) Numbers, of Austin, TX, and Garrett Wilkins, of Quincy; and four great-grandchildren; along with his sister, Donna Weakly of Peoria, AZ, and brother Doug (Cindy) Wilkins, of Tekonsha, sister-in-law MaryAnne Woodard, of Madison, AL, and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by brothers-in-law Larry H. Woodard and Ray Weakly.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tommy’s House at 50 N. Clay St., Coldwater, MI 49036 or Hospital Hospitality House of Southwest Michigan, at 1800 Henson Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49048.
Please visit www.lighthousefuneral.com to share memories, pictures and videos with the family.
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