Addison Wilkinson

Addison A. Wilkinson

LAFAYETTE - Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at the Delhomme Chapel of the Flowers for Addison A. Wilkinson, 77, who passed away on April 12, 2011 at his residence.

Reverend John Wamsley, Pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church, will conduct the funeral services.

Burial will take place in Lafayette Memorial Park Cemetery.

Mr. Wilkinson, a resident of Lafayette, Louisiana, born on April 5, 1934 in Alexandria, Louisiana, was the son of the late Mason Wilkinson and the former Janet Wyatt, both of Alexandria. After moving to Texas at the age of 5, he graduated high school in 1951 from Denison High School in Denison, TX. After high school, he attended and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelors degree in Geology in 1956. After graduation, he began working as a geologist for Plymouth and Delhi-Taylor Oil Companies. He then began a 25 year career with Tenneco Oil Co., beginning as a Geological Engineer in South Texas. Throughout his years with Tenneco, he held many positions in many states as well as in The Netherlands. Addison finished his career with Tenneco in Lafayette, where he made his home, as a Vice President and the General Manager of their Eastern Gulf of Mexico Division. After his retirement from Tenneco, he was a founding partner and Vice President at Newfield Exploration Co., as well as serving on their board for a number of years.

He was a member of the Lafayette Geological Society and the Lafayette Petroleum Club, the Chancellors Council of the University of Texas, the Littlefield Society at UT, and a past member on the Advisory Council Geological Foundation at UT. In addition to serving as a board member at Oakbourne Country Club, Ad enjoyed many a fine day on the golf course there with close friends. During his retirement, he developed an interest in working with stained glass, the results of which decorate his home, the homes of his family, and those of many of his friends. As a 25 year resident of Lafayette, he focused his philanthropic efforts on a variety of local groups specializing in education.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Betty Wilkinson of Lafayette, LA; one son, Robert Mason Wilkinson of Carlsbad, CA; one daughter, Elizabeth Janet Wood and her husband Adam of Dallas, TX; and two granddaughters, Allison Paige Wood and Leah Elizabeth Wood, both of Dallas, TX. He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Delhomme Funeral Home of Lafayette on Tuesday, April 19, 2011 from 11:00 am until the time of service.

The family is most grateful to the staff of Hospice of Acadiana, especially to Rose and Jenny for the kindness and care given to Addison at home during the last two weeks.

The family asks that memorial contributions be made in Mr. Wilkinson's name to Hospice of Acadiana, 2600 Johnston Street, Ste. 200, Lafayette, LA, 70503.

Personal condolences may be sent to the Wilkinson family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com.

Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, is in charge of funeral arrangements.