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