Bliss, Idaho - Charles L. "Dutch" Wilkins, age 86, a resident of Bliss, Idaho, joined his father and mother, son, Louis A. Wilkins, two great-granddaughters, two sisters, 5 brothers, and numerous other family and friends in the arms of Jesus on September 6, 2013, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born February 12, 1927 in Saint Clair County, Missouri, to Henry L. and Estella M. McMilin Wilkins.
He served his country as an Honor Guard in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
Dutch married the love of his life, LaDonna M. Murphy, on November 26, 1948, in Twin Falls, Idaho, where they lived for many years, later moving to Bliss for the remainder of his life.
Dutch (also known as Charlie Brown) was actively involved, along with his wife of 65 years, in raising nine children to adulthood. He was a 4-H leader for the Bliss Brush and Curry 4-H clubs, a member of the Bliss School Board, a Deacon and youth leader at the Bliss Community Church, and a lifetime Deacon and youth leader of the First Church of the Brethren in Twin Falls.
His children, grandchildren, farming, horses, hunting, fly-tying and fishing, were his passions. He was an accomplished carpenter, and owned his own cement and gravel business, working throughout the Magic Valley.
He is survived by his wife, LaDonna; eight children, Kathy Wilkins, Kris (Steve) Quigley, Charles E. (Linda) Wilkins, Charleen (Mike) Thompson, Mona (Randy) Allen, Mayleen (Rex) Harding, Lesleen (Bernie) Puentes and Larry (Kim) Wilkins; along with 24 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.
We would like to thank the dedicated professionals at St. Luke's Home Health and Hospice for the wonderful care they took of our father and family in our time of need.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Bliss Community Church, Inc., or St. Luke's Home Health and Hospice in memory of Charles L. Wilkins.
Visitation for family and friends will be held from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, on Sunday, September 15, 2013 at Demaray Funeral Service – Gooding Chapel. A funeral service will be held at 3:00 pm, on Monday, September 16, 2013 at The Hagerman Christian Center, 2750 South 900 East, in Hagerman. Burial will follow at the Hagerman Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Demaray Funeral Service – Gooding Chapel.