Ernest Edwin (Ernie) Wilkins passed away at Stormont Vail Flint Hills Hospital, in Junction City Kansas, on November 29, 2023. Ernie was born March 17, 1927 in rural Chapman, Kansas to Bertram and Frances Irene (Sims) Wilkins.
Ernie attended local schools but was drafted into the U.S. Army his senior year of high School. Ernie served in the pacific theatre during WWII. He served in China, Korea and the Philippines. Upon his return to Kansas Ernie continued his education and graduated from Kansas College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, now Kansas State University, with a bachelor’s degree in Organic Chemistry. Following his graduation he began a long career with the Kansas Department of Transportation. He was proud to be involved with the very early stages of the construction of I-70 in Kansas. He was a skilled Artisan in the making of Stained-Glass pieces of art. Ernie was also a Scout Leader for his sons and loved to travel. He’s been a devout Methodist and has taught Sunday School and the Alpha course in the past.
Ernie married Lillian (Carlson) Weik, to this union two sons were born. Larry E. Wilkins of Gardner, Kansas and James D Wilkins (Donna) of Manhattan, Kansas. Ernie is survived by his sons, and his grandchildren Donovan Weik, Michael Allen and Jason Allen. Ernie also has 4 great grandchildren. Ernie was preceded in death by his wife Lillian, and his second wife Delores Kay (Olson) Wilkins. Also preceding Ernie in death were his brothers Gaylord Wilkins and Howard Wilkins as well as his sister Frances Hill, and sons Richard and Charles Weik and daughter Cheryl Weik. Ernie’s Grandfather and Uncle were some of the first settlers in the Chapman area, in 1870. They emigrated from Marnhull England and were Stonemasons by trade.
A memorial service will be held Saturday December 2, 2023 at the Chapman United Methodist Church 426 N. Sheeran Chapman, Kansas at 2:00 p.m. The family suggests memorials be given to Chapman Valley Manor or Chapman United Methodist Church and may be left at the time of service or mailed to the Londeen-Overlease Funeral Chapel PO Box 411 Chapman, Kansas 67431.