Rex Owen Wilkins, son of Ivan Amherst (1876-1958) and Lottie Althea (Washburn) (1978-1968) Wilkins, was born 23 August 1913 Mason, Ingham County, Michigan.  He graduated from Okemos High School in 1931. After attending and graduating from Michigan State College, Rex married Ethel May Kelley 24 September 1938 Okemos, Ingham County.  Ethel, born 5 January 1916 Farwell, Clare County, Michigan, died 29 September 1991 Emmet County, Michigan.  Rex died 11 November 2012 Cheboygan County, Michigan.  Rex and Ethel were interred Leek Cemetery, Okemos.

Lansing State Journal (Lansing, Michigan) Thursday 15 November 2012

Rex O. Wilkins
Cheboygan

Rex Wilkins passed away on November 11, 2012 at his home on Mullett Lake in Northern Michigan.  He was born 99 years earlier on August 23, 1913 in Mason, Michigan, the middle child of four other siblings.

 Those siblings, all deceased, included George Lester Wilkins, Naomi Whitmyer, Dale Wilkins and Ralph Glen Wilkins. Rex attended Okemos Public Schools where, as he liked to remind people, he graduated in the top 10 of his class (of 10). He then attended Michigan State University where he graduated with a Degree in Forestry. He worked as a forester for Michigan Shade Tree Company and later for Michigan Bell Telephone Company. He married Ethel M. Kelley September 23, 1938 and they were married for 53 years before Ethel's death in 1991. Most of their lives they resided in Okemos, MI with a few years in Kentwood, MI. Eventually they retired to their cottage on Mullett Lake where they created a legacy with family and friends of good times, deep bonds and wonderful memories that continue. Rex's commitment to his community was evidenced by his active involvement and leadership in the Okemos Community Church, the Okemos School Board and the Meridian Township Planning Commission. He also served a term as president of the Michigan Forestry and Park Association.

Rex is survived by his three children; Kim (Mary Jean) Wilkins, Mullett Lake, MI; Mary Clausen, Okemos, MI; Keith (Ingrid) Wilkins, London, England; six grandchildren, Kelley (Mark) DeGennaro, James (Nikki) Wilkins, Gregg Clausen, Eric (Nicole) Clausen, Stephanie Wilkins, Natalie Wilkins, eight great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at Okemos Community Church. 4734 Okemos Rd, Okemos on Saturday, November 17 at 11:00 am with visitation preceding the service at 10:00 am.