William Edward Wilkin's Obituary
William “Willy” Wilkin, age 76, a resident of San Bernardino, California, passed away peacefully at Kaiser Hospital in Fontana, California. Willy was born in Monroe County, Iowa April 24, 1935. He graduated from Eddyville High School in 1953 and received his Bachelor of Arts from Parsons University in Fairfield, Iowa and his Masters of Arts degree from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Florence Wilkin and brother James Wilkin. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Geraldine Ogden Wilkin of San Bernardino, California, son William E. Wilkin Jr., of West Hollywood, California, daughters Terry Lynn Gregg (Johnny) of San Bernardino, California; and Mona Marie McGrady (Tom) of Sonora, California. Also surviving him are grandchildren Marla Fairfield of Folsom, California; Heather Tafoya (Joe) of San Bernardino, California; Amanda Morin of Sacramento, California; Jessica Gregg of Vancouver, Washington; Katie Jenks (Noah), Amy Atkins (Patrick) and Ryan McGrady (Grace) of Sonora California.
He also is survived by great grandchildren Leah, Mya, Savannah and Liberty. Willy is also survived by brothers J.I. Wilkin (Carol) , Archie Wilkin (Karen), and sisters Grace Francis (Ron), Shirley Tingle (Jack), and Kathleen Wilkin.
He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. Following his service, Willy taught and coached high school in Iowa for four years before moving his family to California in 1965. He was a teacher and coach for Rialto Unified School District for 30 years, retiring in 1995. Willy was a 37 year member of the American Legion Robert Allen Romo Post 422 in Rialto and Past California State Commander of the American Legion in 2000. He served on the National staff of Oratorical Contests for many years with the American Legion and represented California as National Executive Committeeman from 2002-2004.
He was a member of PCC Outpost 25, PDCC, ANAVICUS, VFW and 40/8. Willy loved his family and truly lived for God and Country.
A “Celebration of Life” will be held Friday, December 23, 2011, 10:00 a.m. at Bobbitt Memorial Chapel, 1299 E. Highland Avenue, San Bernardino, California. A reception will follow at the American Legion Robert Allen Romo Post 422, 848 S. Lilac Avenue, Rialto, California. Donations may be made in Willy’s memory to the Post 422 Children and Youth Programs.
Inurnment will be private at Riverside National Cemetery.
What’s your fondest memory of William?
What’s a lesson you learned from William?
Share a story where William's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with William you’ll never forget.
How did William make you smile?