Wilbert L. Larkin Sr.

1942 - 2023

Wilbert L. Larkin Sr. was called home in the afternoon hours of Sunday, Sept. 20, 2023, at St. Bernadine's Hospital, in San Bernardino, CA. He is the son of the late William and Irene Larkin. He was born on July 3, 1942, in Hallsville, TX. He moved from Hallsville to San Bernardino as a young child and attended St. Bernardine Elementary School, where he was an altar boy for several years. He later transferred from Franklin Junior High to St. Thomas Aquinas High School, where he excelled in several sports and academics. He received the All Sports Award, Most Valuable Player in Baseball, and Shotput Champion, just to name a few. During his senior year, he was student body president and earned a spot on the San Bernardino County All-Star Football team. Although he excelled in football and track; his love for baseball overshadowed them all. After graduation, he worked at Patton State Hospital, as a psych tech, where he applied his team building experience to work effectively with the staff. Thereafter, he moved to Los Angeles, CA and worked for LAUSD as a custodian, until he landed a job with Knudsen's as a truck driver. Later he became a store manager for Goodyear Tires then moved to their competitor, Firestone, where he would lead a superior sales team. He would travel to Akron, OH, and receive many top sales awards. In the late 1980's he established several room and board facilities in Inglewood and San Bernardino areas. This was the time he started investing in residential properties, which spearheaded his company, NIKRAL Investments. In 2010, Wilbert received a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for receiving the Black Rose Award. He was honored for counseling families in need, by providing housing assistance and job opportunities. He consistently supported Trinity Christian Fellowship Church, with food programs, which helped fight hunger in the community. He was a lifetime member of the Guy Wynton Morris American Legion Post #710, where he was given special recognition for his loyalty and support. In addition, he was a member of the Arrowhead Elks Lodge #896, both located in San Bernardino.He is survived by two sons, Wilbert L. Larkin Jr., Lorenz Larkin; four daughters Regina Culverson, Marcie Larkin, Christina Clark, and Jeanette Jones; 16 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends. The viewing will take place at 10:00 am on Saturday, October 28, 2023, followed by a funeral service at 11:00am at Loveland Church, 17977 Merrill Ave., Fontana @ 11:00am. A graveside ceremony will follow the funeral at Montecito Memorial Park and Mortuary, 3520 E. Washington St., Colton. A luncheon will be held at Arrowhead Elks Lodge #896, 1073 N. Mt. Vernon Ave., San Bernardino. Please send flowers to: Final Tribute Funeral Services, 35153 Yucaipa Blvd., Yucaipa, CA, 92399.