Delbert R. Wilkins

Delbert R. Wilkins, 79, of Bellvue, died March 17, 2011 at Good Samaritan of Loveland. Mr. Wilkins was born September 19, 1931 in Fort Collins, Colorado to Roy and Bertha Wilkins. He was married to Betty Tamlin in 1952 and had two children, Del and Debbie. Mr. Wilkins lived in the Fort Collins area all of his life. He graduated from Waverly High School, playing basketball, football, track and wrestling. Upon graduation he joined the US Air Force. After returning home he was employed by North Poudre Irrigation Company as a ditch rider. He worked as a welder for Ideal Cement, Forney Arc Welding, Maxey Manufacturing and retired from Kodak as a Building Superintendent. His profession was a welder but in his heart he was a farmer. He was a restorer of old cars, collected John Deere tractors and all things John Deere. He was a 4-H Leader and taught gun safety. Mr. Wilkins was a lifetime member of the NRA. Delbert loved animals of all kinds owning many cats and dogs in his lifetime, including his loyal Jack Russell Terrier, Lexi, his constant and loving companion in his last years. Survivors include his son, Delbert Stace Wilkins of Fort Collins; daughter, Debra Highfill of Bellvue, Colorado; brothers, Walter Gladys Wilkins, Charles Jane Wilkins both of Fort Collins; grandchildren, Amanda Shawn Kendrot of Windsor, Tanner Ashlyn Highfill of Fort Collins; great-grandchildren, Bella and Gavin Kendrot of Windsor; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding Delbert in death are his parents. The family would like to give a special thanks to all the staff at Good Samaritan of Loveland. A Funeral Service will be held at Bohlender Funeral Chapel on Monday at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Grandview Cemetery. Pastor Marty Trujillo will officiate the service. Memorial contributions can be made to Larimer County Human Society in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive St., Ft. Collins, CO 80524.