Obituaries

Kenneth O. "K.O." Wilkins

Photo of Kenneth O. "K.O." Wilkins
Kenneth O. Wilkins, age 92, a resident of Springdale, Arkansas left this world for his eternal home on December 18, 2017. He was born February 20, 1925 in McLean, Texas to John Oliver Wilkins and Maye Inez (Albright) Wilkins. He is preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Rick, Bill, Grady, Mary Frances and Wanda; his sons, Kenneth James "Jim" Wilkins and John Oliver Wilkins; his son-in-law, David Fulfer; and his granddaughter, Mindi Wright. Ken was a World War II veteran of the United States Army and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. After the war, he returned to Upland, California where he met the love of his life, Ovnia "Patti" Pendley. They were married April 8, 1950. He worked in construction in California until February 1963 when the family moved to Springdale. "K.O.", as he was known in Northwest Arkansas, founded Wilkins Contruction Company. During a 45 year career, he built well over a thousand homes and numerous commercial projects and churches. He also enjoyed raising cattle and showing them at the Washington County Fair with his grandchildren. Another favorite pastime was gardening. He particularly enjoyed raising gigantic cantaloupes, watermelons, and tomatoes. Ken was a man of great faith. He prayed for his entire family daily. His generosity to those in need was evident throughout his lifetime. He loved his family and was always eager for updates on his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. But most of all he adored his "darling", Patti. Their love story is an inspiration to us all. Although we are separated for a short time, we look forward to a glorious reunion. He is affectionately known as Sweetheart, Pops, Daddy, Grandpa and Papaw. He is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Patti; his daughters, Joy Wright and Jeanne Fulfer; his grandchildren, Chip Wright and his wife, LaVonda, Amy Jones and her husband, Mark, Kenny Wilkins, Colby Fulfer and his wife, Rachel, Derek Wright and his wife, Jessica and Jennifer Taylor and her husband, Jeff; and his great-grandchildren, Hunter Wright, Liem Taylor, Lyla Taylor, Hayden Wright, Graham Jones, Bella Jones, Abigail Fulfer, Faith Fulfer, Mallory Fulfer, and Khloe Wright. Visitation will be 1-2 p.m., Friday, December 22, 2017 at Westfield Chapel Funeral Home in Springdale. Funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. Interment with military honors will be private. Please share your fond thoughts and memories of K.O. on his memorial page at www.WestfieldChapel.com.

Published December 21, 2017

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