Donnie “Don” Ray Wilkinson, age 72, of Hanover, passed away on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca.
Donnie “Don” Ray Wilkinson was born June 4, 1952 in Marysville, Kansas to Carolyn L. (Ware) Wilkinson and Donald W. Wilkinson of Hanover, Kansas.
Don lost his mother Carolyn when he was five years old. His grandparents Ray and Josie Wilkinson moved back into the home to help Don’s father with Donnie and Chuck and of course the household and family farm. Don told many stories about his grandmother Josie’s wonderful cooking when he was growing up. He loved to tease her that her “apple pie, while delicious, might not have always been “apple, but mostly pear instead, saying, “the grit gave it away”.
Don grew up helping on the family farm from an early age. Working with family, neighbors, and friends installed not only a great work ethic but the importance of community in his life.
Don attended Barnes Public School during grade school, graduated from Hanover High School in 1970 and attended Cloud County Community College.
In July of 1976 Don met Donna Gerleve at a dance at the American Legion in Hanover, Kansas. They were married on October 15, 1977, and celebrated their 47th Anniversary just this last month. Together they had two daughters, Heather and Nichole, both of Barnes.
Don had many jobs and wore many “hats” over the years. In the early years he was a farmer. As the years past he worked off the farm for Vathauers, Trailmann Trailers, Travalong Trailers, Hanover High School, and Titan Trailer Mfg. He held the title of Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Nephew, Cousin, Brother-In-Law (or Out-Law as he always joked), Uncle, Co-worker, and Friend. He gave his time to so many groups and causes over the years. He was in the Hanover Knights of Columbus, Barnes Lions Club, Barnes Rural Fire Department volunteer, Board member and officer for the Farmers Coop and Barnes Community Development, former Barnes Mayor, and involved in so many countless community occasions and events. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, sell tickets, flip the burgers or pancakes, make coleslaw, or lighten the mood with a joke.
Don’s sense of humor and kindness went with him wherever he went. Every conversation always included, if not started, with “Hey, have you heard the one about….” . And then there were the prank jokes that happened mostly at Halloween time. Family friends (Neighborhood kids at the time) recall him dressing up and sitting on the porch Halloween night. He would sit very still, pretending to be a decoration and wait for the trick or treaters to get close, then move or even just reach for the candy and scare them. He also talked about the time he convinced his nephews that there were puppies in the cabinet under the kitchen sink. He would make whining and yipping noises while they peered into the dark cabinet. These are just a couple of examples of the countless ways he brought smiles and laughter to those around him. I am sure that there are many friends and family members that can recall innumerable moments like this with Don.
Don’s life will be remembered not for the trials and tribulations that he and his family have undergone, but for the love and laughter he spread in spite of those times. He never stopped finding the joke in every situation right up to the end.
Don is preceded in death by his parents Don W. Wilkinson and Carolyn L. (Ware) Wilkinson, and his brother Charles Wilkinson.
He is survived by his wife Donna (Gerleve) Wilkinson of Hanover/Barnes, Daughter Heather Wilkinson of Barnes, Daughter Nichole (Larry) Williams of Barnes, Grandsons “His Buddies” Kadyn and Marek, and his Granddaughter “his moonpie” Janicka. Don loved them all to the moon and back.
