SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 256

In Memory

of

Fred Wilkinson

WHEREAS, A life lived with joy and enthusiasm drew to a close with the passing of Fred Lyndel Wilkinson of Tyler on January 17, 2025, at the age of 94; and

WHEREAS, The son of Bill and Fauna Wilkinson, Fred Wilkinson was born in Bogata on November 30, 1930, and as a youth, he helped provide for his family by picking cotton at area farms; a graduate of Bogata High School, he attended college in Paris and Clarksville; in 1952, he was drafted by the U.S. Army and he served his country for two years; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Wilkinson underwent training as a laboratory technician, and he spent most of his professional career at the Medical & Surgical Clinic in Tyler; there, he met his future wife, Mitzi Sanders, who worked at the clinic as a nurse; they soon exchanged wedding vows, embarking on a journey together as husband and wife that would span more than six decades; the couple became the devoted parents of two children, Earl and Rachel, and they eventually welcomed two grandchildren and a great-grandchild into their family; Mr. Wilkinson was involved in his children's school activities, and he volunteered as a Cub Scout master and a Little League Baseball coach; and

WHEREAS, Following his retirement in 1993, Mr. Wilkinson and his wife traveled across the world and the United States; a valued congregant of Broadway Church of Christ, he took part in the construction of its building on South Broadway Avenue, and he laterservedasachurchdeaconandelder;moreover,hewas beloved for his integrity and self-deprecating humor, and he enjoyed gardening and watching the Dallas Cowboys; and

WHEREAS, Deeply dedicated to his family, his faith, and his community, Fred Wilkinson earned the lasting respect and admiration of all who were privileged to know him; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the memory of Fred Lyndel Wilkinson and extend heartfelt condolences to the members of his family: to his wife, Mitzi Wilkinson; to his son, Earl Wilkinson; to his daughter, Rachel Dingler; to his son-in-law, Bobby Dingler; to his granddaughters, Chelsea and Chloe; to his great-grandson, Ryker; and to his other relatives and friends; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Fred Wilkinson.

Hughes

________________________________

President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 13, 2025, by a rising vote.

________________________________

Secretary of the Senate

________________________________

Member, Texas Senate