Gene Arlund Wilkinson

Gene Arlund (Edwards) Wilkinson of Mapleton, Utah peacefully passed away on January 22, 2018 from Cancer, caused by job related silicosis of the lungs. He was born October 15, 1938 in Orem, Utah to John Wilkinson & Ester Emily Sorensen and raised by his step-father, Melvin “Pa” Edwards. Gene graduated from Lincoln High School in 1956 with many friends that lasted a lifetime. In 1961 Gene was drafted into the U.S. ARMY serving as an E4 Pediatric Medic in New Orleans, LA, Army Hospital. A proud Democrat, Gene remembered his journey home through Dallas, TX on November 22, 1963; the day of JFKs assassination.

After his return, Gene joined the Painters Union and took up the trade of Commercial Painter / Sand blaster, working on many industrial buildings, dams, power houses and structural steel and water towers. While working in Colorado he met and married, Lorna D. Thomas Bennett, had two children and was later divorced. Gene then married and divorced Marilyn Wilkinson. Gene loved wood working, gardening, fishing and camping with his brother, LaVell (Dana) of Orem, Utah. Gene enjoyed exploring the outdoors in his ATV, flying his ultralight plane with his friends, The Fly Boys. Gene adored watching Fright Night TV and Sven Goolie spooks, also showing off his latest Magic Trick, earning the beloved name of Grandpa Magic. Gene loved music; he played many musical instruments, often entertaining his family with song, harmonica, banjo and guitar melodies. To Gene, laughter was the greatest reward, with a wink and a nudge he would do anything to get a smile or a chuckle, including jokes, faces and the never superfluous, “Word of The Day”.

Gene is survived by his daughter, Karen (Kelly) Lloyd of Pleasant Grove. Son, Dirk (Emily) Wilkinson of Spanish Fork. Brother, LaVell (Dana) Edwards, 8 Grandchildren, 5.5 Great Grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his father John Willard Wilkinson. Mother and Step-father, Ester & Melvin Edwards. Sister, Lyla Mea. Brothers; Jack, Max, Blaine and Arvel Wilkinson. So, in his own words we say: “He was born. He lived. He kicked the bucket” … and He meant the world to us. So until next time Dad, here’s one for the road. Knock, Knock. Who’s there? You. You, Who? Yohoo, Open Up those Pearly Gates, with a nudge and a wink welcome our Dad home.

The family wishes to thank; Michael J. Pearce, M.D. for his incredible care and love he gave to our Dad.

A viewing will be held Thursday, January 25, 2018 from 6:00 - 8:00pm and again on Friday January 26, 2018 from 10:00 - 11:00am at Wheeler Mortuary, 211 East 200 South, Springville, Utah, followed immediately with Internment and Military graveside honors at the Provo City Cemetery.