David E. Wilkins, age 77, of Milford, DE passed away peacefully on Monday, October 14, 2024 at home surrounded by his loving family. Dave was born May 1, 1947 in Milford, DE, the son of the late Howard and Julia Wilkins and step-son of the late Fannie Mae Wilkins. David was a graduate of Milford High School, class of '65. After graduation, Dave enlisted in the Delaware Army National Guard, serving from May 15, 1965 until October 6, 1971, when he was honorably discharged.
Like many proud farmers, Dave was a man whose love of farming was only surpassed by his love of family. He began working on the family farm at a young age alongside his brothers, Kenny and George. Under the guiding hand of their father, Howard, they built a thriving farming operation, Howard E. Wilkins & Sons, Inc. Dave was very proud of the family farm and what they could achieve. He was married to the love of his life, Sandy for 53 years. His love of farming was passed down to his son, Cade, and grandsons, Tyler, Jake and Blake, who are following in his footsteps. Dave had an abiding faith in God and was a lifelong member of Calvary Methodist Church - no doubt, in part, thanks to his mother, Julia, who made sure he attended Sunday School every Sunday while growing up. He served as a trustee of the church for many years. Throughout his farming career, he represented the interests of the agricultural community in several farming organizations, including being Chairman of the Board at Milford Grain Co. and as a member of the board of the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service and Delaware Farm Bureau. An avid hunter, Dave was a member of the First State Coon Hunters Club and also the Cedarfield Ruritan Club. In addition to his parents and step-mother, Dave was preceded in death by a sister-in-law Joyce Wilkins.
He is survived by his loving wife Sandra Wilkins; one son, Cade D. Wilkins and his companion Nikki Murray; his grandsons Tyler Griffith and his wife Kaleigh, Jacob D. Wilkins and Blake D. Wilkins; his great grandson Lane J. Griffith; his siblings Kenneth H. Wilkins, Margie E. McBane, George W. Wilkins and his wife Helen, and Verna A. Hensley; his nieces and nephews Geri Richardson, Kenneth Wilkins, Michael Wilkins, Scott Wilkins, William McBane, Lawrence Johnson, Shannon Kelly, Julia Hensley and Ryan Hensley; as well as several cousins and friends.
The Wilkins family would like to extend their sincerest thank you to all of the caregivers who assisted Dave throughout his illness. Your kindness will never be forgotten.
A viewing will be held from 11 am to 1 pm on Monday, October 21, 2024 at Calvary Church, 301 S.E. Front Street, Milford where a funeral service will be held at 1 pm. Burial will be in Lincoln Cemetery, Clendaniel Pond Road, Lincoln. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to the Cedarfield Ruritan Club, 315 Tub Mill Pond Road, Milford, DE 19963. Arrangements by Lofland Funeral Home, Milford. Letters of condolence may be shared with the family at www.loflandandmcknatt.com.