Richard E. "Rick" Wilkins

WOODSTOCK – Richard "Rick" E. Wilkins, 76 of Woodstock, Ohio passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025 in Ohio State Medical Center.

Rick was born on Dec. 20, 1948 in Urbana, Ohio, to the late Charles and Mary (McWilliams) Wilkins.

Rick was the kind of man who was always there when you needed him. Whether it was lending a hand to a neighbor, fixing something at school, or heading out on a service call, Rick could always be counted on. He loved to work out in his barn, at Triad Schools where he served as Maintenance Supervisor, or through his business, Rick Wilkins Heating and A/C. In fact, he worked right up until the very end, because that's who he was.

Rick proudly served in the United States Army before building his life around his family, friends, and community. Along the way, he made fast friends with many of the people he worked with and served, especially Chad and Troy, who became like family.

Family meant everything to Rick. He loved nothing more than spending time with them and took great pride in spoiling his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Many will remember him for the countless hours he spent at the ballfields, getting them ready, coaching alongside good friends, and cheering on the kids he loved so much. Rick was also a proud member of the Masonic Lodge, Mechanicsburg Lodge #113 F. & A.M.

He will be remembered for his hard work, his kindness, and the way he always put others first. To know Rick was to know someone who truly cared. His presence will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Rick is survived by the love of his life of 25 years, Melodi Wilkins; daughters, Darcy (Jerry) Watkins, Beth Wilkins, Morgan (Kyle) Riley, Kacie (Thomas Berry) Amlin; grandchildren, Jacob (Katie) Watkins, Hannah (Nathan) Hilborn, Klaire Riley, Kole Riley, Karter Riley; great-grandchildren, Allen Hilborn, James Watkins, Audrey Hilborn, Oliver Watkins; brothers, Phil Wilkins, Steve (Kathleen) Wilkins; and sister, Marcia (Steve) Barbeau; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Rick is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Susan Wilkins; brother, Tony Wilkins, and sister-in-law, Becky Wilkins.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 2-6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025 in VERNON FUNERAL HOME, Urbana, Ohio.

Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025 in the funeral home with Pastor Chris Dinnell officiating.

Burial will follow in Woodstock Cemetery, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Triad High School Softball in Rick's honor. Supporting the softball program is a meaningful way to celebrate his memory, as Rick spent countless hours on those very fields, working on them, coaching alongside friends, and cheering on the kids he loved. Contributions may be sent to: Triad High School Softball, Attn: Nathan Hilborn, 8099 Brush Lake Rd., North Lewisburg, Ohio 43060.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.vernonfh.com.