Robert Wilkinson was born March 14, 1931 at the family home in Clanton County Alabama and died February 2, 2019 in the Pasco home he shared with his wife of 62 years, Donna Griffith Wilkinson. Donna was with him at his passing.

Bob (called Skeet by the family), was the 8th of 14 children born to his father George Eugene Wilkinson, Sr. and mother Birdie Moore Wilkinson. He is survived by one sister, Eloise Wilkinson Tinker of Marietta, GA.  He was predeceased by his sister Margaret Sparks of Pasco, WA. and 11 of his brothers and sisters who lived throughout the south.

Bob was a devoted career military man of 26 years, the first 4 years in the Army and followed by 22 years in the Navy, from which he retired. He was a proud seaman Petty Officer who served in Germany, Vietnam, Korea, and Japan. He received numerous metals including two National Defense Service metals, Vietnam Service Metal, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Metal; received after the Marine invasion of Vietnam. He was deployed rescuing Marines from the waters and most of his Naval career he served on destroyers.

After military retirement and before his final retirement, he worked ten years for the Montebello, CA Water Company. Bob and Donna lived for many years in Whittier, CA. where his and Donna’s three sons were born.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sons Robert, Jr. (Irene) of Lake Elsinore, CA, Jeffrey (Michelle) of Rancho Cucamonga, CA, and Glen of Downey, CA. He is also survived by granddaughters Brandy Malinowski (Jesse) of Rialto, CA, and Jeanette Delgadillo (Jessie) of La Habra, CA; and one grandson Scott Wilkinson (Christine) of Napa, ID. In addition to numerous nieces and nephews in the southern states, he is survived by niece Kay Sparks of Pasco and nephew Thomas Sparks of Stanwood, WA.

He was a devoted member of the Calvary Chapel both in California and the Tri-Cities. He loved his English Cocker Spaniel, Sophia Loren and his and Donna’s 2 Chow Chows. He loved to do wood working and carving and enjoyed Country music.

A memorial service will be held at Calvary Chapel, Kennewick, 10611 W. Clearwater, Kennewick, WA on February 23, 2019 at 9:00 AM.