89R13509 CW-D
By: Hughes S.R. No. 256
R E S O L U T I O N
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 later
served as a church deacon and elder; moreover, he was 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 89th Texas 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.