David Austin Wilkins

DANVERS – Mr. David Austin Wilkins 91 of Danvers, husband of the late Charlotte (Pope) Wilkins, died Friday, August 4, 2017 at Essex Park Nursing Home in Beverly. Born in Peabody, he was the son of the late Frank and Effie (Allison) Wilkins. He was raised and educated in Danvers and was a graduate of the former Holten High School, Class of 1943. An honorably discharged veteran, he served his country as a Staff Sargent in the United States Army. Mr. Wilkins had been employed with the former Merchants National Bank of Salem and the George Peabody Co-Operative Bank retiring in 1975 as Vice President. Not one to stay sedentary, David worked for 4 years as a house guide in Rowley and then began a 20-year second career with Curran's Flowers and Greenhouse of Danvers until the time of his retirement in 2004. He enjoyed brightening people's day through the beautiful floral artistry delivered by his second family at Currans. A resident of the Highlands in the Town of Danvers for most of his life, David was a fixture around town. He could often be seen walking the streets of his beloved home town with a classic corn cob pipe in hand, smile on his face and cheerful greeting to those he encountered. He was a long time active member of the First Church Congregational, Danvers and was named a Deacon Emeritus. A true and original "Danversite", David was ultimately proud to call Danvers his home. His love of the out of doors lead him to enjoy spending his time gardening, walking and reading in mother nature's beauty. He will be deeply missed and remembered fondly. David is survived by his best friend and longtime companion Madeline Berube of Danvers, his Nephews Robert Crofts and his wife Diane of Newburyport, William Crofts of Springboro, Ohio and John Crofts of Lynn, his nieces, Nancy Hayes of Richmond, Vt and Cindy Brackett-Vincent and her husband Edward of New Sharon, Maine and many great nieces and nephews. ARRANGEMENTS: His funeral service will be held in the Peterson-O'Donnell Funeral Home 167 Maple St., (rte 62) Danvers, Friday, August 11th at 12 Noon. Relatives and friends invited. Burial in Wadsworth Cemetery, Danvers. Visiting hour prior to the service from 11 to 12 Noon. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in David's memory to the Operation Troop Support, 16 Trinity St., Danvers, MA 01923. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com