Charles Henry Wilkinson Jr.

Charles Henry Wilkinson, Jr., born in Washington, D.C., in May 1939, was the second of four children of Fannie (Amos) Wilkinson and Charles Henry Wilkinson.

Charles-known affectionately as Chuck or Charlie-was educated at Windsor Mountain School in Lenox, Massachusetts. He continued his studies at the University of Michigan and at Lincoln University, the alma mater of his great great grandfather, where he pledged Kappa Alpha Psi. He later earned a B.A. in American History and a Master's in Social Work from Howard University.

His smile could light up a room, and he will be remembered as the kindest, gentlest, and funniest of men-someone for whom integrity and honor were not ideals but lived truths. A lifelong advocate for the well being of children, Charles devoted his career to service. He worked for the State of Maryland's Juvenile Services Administration, as a therapist, and as a program director for the City of Rockville. His work was guided by deep compassion, unwavering dedication, and a profound belief in the dignity of every child and family he served.

Charles is survived by his oldest daughter, Alanna Dennis of Glen Arden, Maryland, and his grandson Samuel Dennis (Grace) of Shenzhen, China; his daughter Leslie (Nathan) Axvig of Denver and grandchildren Lucas and Rebekah; and his daughter Sarah (John "Judge") Akins and grandchildren Quinn and Asher of Haarlem, the Netherlands, his sister-in-law Shirley Wilkinson, and his nieces Vickie and Talia, and his nephew Arthur. He was preceded in death by his beloved sisters Anita and Yvonne, and by his best friend and younger brother, Rienzi Wilkinson.

After retiring and moving to Denver, Charles volunteered at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge and at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. He cherished our National Parks, Premier League soccer (especially Manchester United), learning, traveling, and adventure. A devoted reader throughout his life, he continued to seek knowledge and joy through books until Alzheimer's gently took that pleasure from him.

Thank you to all of his visitors and caregivers, especially Daniel and Maria. We welcome all stories and photos of Dad.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Denver Public Library Friends Foundation or the Alzheimer's Association.

A graveside service will be held on March 21, 2026, from 11:00–11:30 a.m. at Fairmount Cemetery, 430 S. Quebec Street, Denver. A celebration of life will follow at the Quebec Event Center at Fairmount.