Howard Thomas Wilkins

Howard Thomas Wilkins, Jr. of Abilene, Texas passed away from this world into the next on Friday, December 25, 2009. Celebration of his life and service will be at First Baptist Church of Abilene at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 30, 2009, preceded by family graveside rites at Elmwood Memorial Park. Visitation with family and friends will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 29 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. He was predeceased by his wife, Hope Duffy Wilkins in December 2006. Howard was born on April 28, 1928 in Bronte, Texas. His parents were Howard Thomas Wilkins, Sr. and Ada Cates Wilkins. His father was a farmer-rancher and died when Howard, Jr. was two years old. His mother, a school teacher, became the sole breadwinner and finished her career as a Professor of English at McMurry College. Howard was valedictorian of his graduating class at Clyde High School in 1944. He entered McMurry College and was valedictorian of his graduating class in 1947. He was a member of Alpha Chi honor society at McMurry College. He then spent two years at the University of Texas, receiving an MBA in 1949 and while there became a member of Beta Alpha Psi and Beta Gamma Sigma honor societies. After graduating from the University of Texas, he was an Associate Professor of Accounting at McMurry College for three years. He also served two years in the Army during the Korean War and attained the rank of Sergeant Second Class. Having received the designation as a Certified Public Accountant, he joined the accounting firm of Ben M. Davis and Company in 1953 (which later became Davis, Kinard & Co.) and served in public accounting until he retired. While working as a CPA he served on several professional state and local boards. He was an active member of his church. He made his profession of faith in the Methodist Church when he was eight years old. Soon after marrying his wife for life, Hope Duffy, he became a Baptist and joined First Baptist Church of Abilene. He was a member of many boards and committees in the church, but his favorite service was in worship through music. At the time of his death he had been a member of the sanctuary choir for 38 years. He loved to give of his time and means in many areas. He served as a trustee of Hendrick Home for Children for 29 years. He served many terms as a trustee at Hendrick Medical Center and Hardin-Simmons University. He served on boards of the Community Foundation of Abilene, Salvation Army, Abilene Fine Arts Museum, Abilene Community Theatre, United Way, City of Abilene and Kiwanis Club. His favorite hobby was playing competitive duplicate bridge. He made many lifetime friends at the bridge table and attained the rank of Diamond Life Master. He served on many bridge boards at the local and state level. He is survived by two daughters - Melanie King Brown, her husband Kent Brown, and her children Meredith Gray and Landon Gray and Lisa Wilkins Laird, her husband Greg Laird and her daughter Olivia Nichols, and extended family Keaton Brown, Kathryn Brown, Taylor Laird and Logan Laird. He is also survived by his sister, Bonnie Myers, her husband Glenn Myers and their children Terry Myers, Linda Howell, Roger Myers and their spouses and children. He is also survived by many close friends. The family suggests that any contributions in memory of Howard be made to the First Baptist Church Foundation Music Ministry Fund, 1333 North 3rd, Abilene, Texas 79601; Hendrick Home for Children, P.O. Box 5195, Abilene, Texas 79608-5195; or the donor's favorite charity.