Robert Kern Wilkinson

Robert “Bob” was born December 21, 1933, in Bridgeport, Texas to Robert Joe and Oma May Wilkinson. Robert spent his early years in Vernon and Wilbarger County. Later, his family moved to Liberator Village in White Settlement. In 1952, Robert graduated from Trimble Tech. After graduation, Robert married the love of his life, Ramona Rutherford Wilkinson on March 14, 1953. Together they enjoyed 60 years of marriage until her death in 2013.

Friends may pay their respects at Laurel Land Funeral Home on Monday, February 7, from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. with the family in attendance between 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. A graveside service with honors provided by Fort Worth Police Department Honor Guard will be at 2:00 Tuesday, February 8, at Laurel Land Memorial Park in Fort Worth, Texas.

Robert began working at the age of 10 to help his widowed father. He developed a rigorous work ethic as a paperboy with the Fort Worth Star Telegram. Then, during his early married years, he was a surveyor and a milkman before finding his true passion: to protect and to serve the community as a police officer.

For 29 years, he worked tirelessly for the Fort Worth Police Department until his retirement in 1992. Robert received many awards during his law enforcement career including the Medal of Valor and the Life Saving award. Additionally, he was named Police Officer of the Year in 1981.

To put it simply, Robert was the rock of his family. He was very wise and intelligent. He was a good, honest man and was always willing to help and support his family. Robert was a long-time member at Hallmark Baptist Church, and he accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age while attending White Settlement Baptist Church. He was baptized in Lake Worth after the church building burned. Looking back on his life, it was clear to see the hand of God guiding him.

Bob said the most enjoyable time of his life was while his children were still at home, as he was actively involved in their lives. As the years passed, his family continued to be his top priority. He endlessly loved laughing and joking, sharing stories, and hanging out with the people he loved most. Robert supported his children and grandchildren in sports and other activities. He was even a phenomenal softball coach for many years, during which he encouraged, challenged, and inspired his players. Even today, players from his softball teams fondly remember him and the everlasting impact his coaching made on their lives.

In his free time, he especially enjoyed baseball, softball, and boxing. He kept himself physically fit through the years by bicycling, walking, and lifting weights. Not surprising, he passed on his passion for fitness to many in his family. When Robert was not physically active, he was an avid reader. He especially enjoyed reading the local newspaper, as well as reading about the extensive history behind his beloved Fort Worth.

Survivors include his children: son, Mike Wilkinson and his wife, Lori; daughter, Lesa Wilkinson Nance; and Melissa Tomme, a granddaughter he considered a daughter, and her husband, Matthew; 4 additional grandchildren: Lindsey, Brian, Brady, and Brooke; 4 great grandchildren: Hannah, Avery, Ethan, and Drew; and 2 great-great grandchildren: Hadley and Haeden.

Daddy, it is your End of Watch. Yours was a life well lived. Thank you for your love, guidance, and example of how to live a good, moral, loving life. We love you and will miss you… until we meet again.