Leon Wilkinson, 63, of Riverton died at the Help for Health Hospice Home on Thursday, June 5, 2014. Funeral services will be held at Davis Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 10th at 2:00 p.m. Pastor Dale Adams will officiate. Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. There will be a viewing Monday evening, June 9th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Leon Earl Wilkinson was born on March 21, 1951 in Riverton to Pat E.W. and Mabel L. (Phelps-Hughes) Wilkinson. He was one of seven children. He was raised in Riverton except for three years spent in Oregon. He graduated from Riverton High School with the class of 1970.
While he was in Oregon he was baptized at the 1st Baptist Church in Albany. He was a former member of the 1st Baptist Church in Riverton and is a current member of the Lighthouse Bible Church in Riverton.
On April 9, 1988, he married Debra Martinez in Riverton, WY. They celebrated 25 years together before Debra passed on March 5, 2014.
Leon was employed by Fremont County Road and Bridge for 12 years, and also worked for Major’s Equipment and Fremont Chemical. He always found time to help his family and friends with their projects, building barns, shops and sheds, and loved to help with the farm animals and crops.
Leon loved to be with his family and friends, and would plan picnics, trips and get-togethers that included all of them. One of his greatest loves was riding his horses. He also enjoyed camping, fishing, and elk hunting trips with special friends. He loved taking ski trips and doing the annual Pumpkin Hunt with the High School Youth Group from church. He loved being with the kids and was like a big brother to all of them, having as much fun as they did.
He is survived by his mother, Mabel Applehans of Riverton; his brother, Kent Wilkinson of Casper; his sisters, Aloma Ludlow of Riverton, Carla (Tom) McCoy of Riverton, Nadine (Hershel) Dike of Riverton, Lorri (Jim) Sauer of Spring Creek, NV and Marva (Fritz) Pedersen of Riverton; his father-in-law, Arthur Martinez of Riverton; his brother-in-laws, Rory Martinez of CO and Greg Martinez of WY; his sister-in-laws, Gaylene Martinez of MT, Gloria Martinez of Casper, and Andi (Ken) McLean of Riverton; and numerous nephews, nieces, grand nephews, and grand nieces.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Debra Wilkinson; his father, Pat E. W. Wilkinson; his step-father, John Applehans; his mother-in-law, Angela Martinez, his grandparents, two nieces and one nephew.
Memorials may be made to the Lighthouse Bible Church in care of Davis Funeral Home, 2203 West Main Street, Riverton, WY 82501.
On-line condolences for the family may be made at www.TheDavisFuneralHome.com.
Services are under the direction of Davis Funeral Home.