Dr. Robert E. Wilkins, 89, of New Knoxville, died 5:45 P.M. Wednesday, December 22, 2021, at Otterbein Saint Marys Retirement Community.

He was born February 15, 1932, in Lima, Ohio, the son of Vernon and Esther (Gottschalk) Wilkins. He married Joann Evans of June 24, 1956; she survives at Otterbein Saint Marys.

He is also survived by his four sons: Doug (Mary Ann) Wilkins of Celina; David (Judy) Wilkins of Fort Wayne; Greg (Amy) Wilkins, who is currently sailing the world in his boat, and Jon (Cindy) Wilkins of Maria Stein. He is also survived by his ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He is survived by his siblings: Thomas Wilkins of Lima; Jim Wilkins of Lakeland, Florida; Emily Huntsman of Wilmington, North Carolina.

He was preceded in death by his parents; by a brother-in-law, Judge Clair Huntsman and by his granddaughter's husband, Brian Whetstone.

Dr. Wilkins was a 1950 graduate of Harrod High School. He earned his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the Ohio State University. He had practiced for more than 40 years in New Knoxville.

He was a veteran of the US Army, where he served in the Veterinary Corps. He was a member of the First Church of New Knoxville. In earlier years he enjoyed piloting his own plane, and he was a member of the Saint Marys Boat Club.

Funeral rites will be held 10:30 A.M. Saturday, January 8, 2022, at the First Church of New Knoxville, the Reverend Joel Bucklin, officiant. Burial, with military honors presented by American Legion Post 444, will follow at Pilger Ruhe Cemetery.

Friends may call from 4-7 P.M. Friday in the Ministry Center of the church, where memorial gifts may be given to the First Church of New Knoxville.

Vornholt-Miller Funeral Home, 200 West Spring Street, New Knoxville, is entrusted with Dr. Wilkins funeral arrangements, and condolences may be sent to his family via Millerfuneralhomes.net.