Dec. 7, 1940 - Jan. 26, 2025
Date of Service: Feb. 7, 2025
BURLEY – Ronald Dean Wilkinson, 84, of Burley, returned to his Father in Heaven on Sunday, January 26, 2025.
Ron was born December 7, 1940, on the north side of Burley, Idaho, the son of Roy Dean and Helena Jean Wilkinson.
Ron is survived in life by his daughter, Rhonda Whelan; son-in-law, Sean Whelan; three grandsons, Zackary Sebring, Cody Sebring, and Morgan Whelan; as well as his two brothers, Rusty (Dorothy) Wilkinson and Glen (Susan) Wilkinson; and companion, Frida Cowan. He is also surrounded by a multitude of friends and “found family’’ that will continue to love him.
Ron was steadfast in all things he did. He would tell you with pride that in 1959 he was part of the first class that graduated from the new Burley High School – which is now known as the College of Southern Idaho - Mini-Cassia Center. After graduating, he proudly joined the United States Navy. While serving, Ron was advanced to Petty Officer Third Class. Ron served on the USS Constellation and Midway; and many of the stories his family and friends will tell you come from his time serving at sea. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, in 1963, Ron went into the trucking business.
On March 5, 1966, Ron married his first wife, Cheryl Savage. Tragically she passed away from a brain tumor in 1967. Ron’s only child, Rhonda, was born on April 6, 1977, following his marriage to Elizabeth Marie Jones in 1968. They later divorced. He was also married to Vicki Henderson in the early ‘80s for several years before divorcing.
Ron enjoyed long-haul trucking for many years and would take his daughter, Rhonda, with him on several of his ventures. He and his brother, Glen, opened their own business called Wilco Transportation.
Ron loved his grandsons. Some of his favorite things to do were to take them fishing or take them each on a road trip. Ron gave them memories they will cherish forever. That was the kind of man Ron was; kind, adventurous, and knowledgeable. He will be missed greatly by those who loved him and who will continue to love him. However, we can all find comfort that Ron was greeted by so many faces waiting to see him when he returned to his Eternal Home.
Ron was preceded in death by his mother, Helena Wilkinson; sister, Donna Mabey and her husband, Laroy Mabey; nephew, Greg Mabey; father-in-law and mother-in-law, John L. and Mae Jones, brother-in-law, Chuck Jones; nephew, Scott Jones; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Ines and Chuck Smith; wife, Cheryl Wilkinson; ex-wife, Elizabeth Marie Wilkinson; his loyal companion and little buddy – his dog, Kimmy; best friend, Russell Cowan (who he is telling all of his life adventures while sipping a cup of coffee); but especially he is in the arms of his cherished father, Roy Wilkinson.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, February 7, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Burley 7th Ward, 2200 Oakley Avenue, in Burley. Burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery in Burley, where he will be honored for his military service by the Mini-Cassia Veterans Group. He will then be laid to rest next to his wife, Cheryl. A luncheon will follow at the church.
Flowers are welcome in his memory.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home of Burley.
