Robert Gail "Bob" Wilkinson

Robert Gail "Bob" Wilkinson, a beloved brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, peacefully departed this world on November 15, 2023, in College Station, Texas. He was 82 years old.

Born on November 13, 1941, in San Marcos, Texas, to E.B. "Bill" & Mary (Deviney) Wilkinson, Bob grew up in various communities in Texas and SE New Mexico before his parents settled in the oilfield community of Crane, Texas. Throughout his remarkable journey, Bob dedicated his entire career as a skilled pipeliner for Mid-America Pipeline Company (MAPCO), working basically the entire network from Minnesota to Texas, up into Wyoming, and everywhere in-between. His dedication and expertise earned him the respect and admiration of the company and his peers.

In 2008, Bob and his wife, Cathy, settled on some family land 7 miles outside of Centerville, Texas, after 45 years for MAPCO. A true outdoorsman at heart, Bob found solace in the beauty of nature. He spent countless hours gardening, hunting, fishing, and exploring the land on his ATV with his dogs.

Early in his adulthood, Bob followed his father's footsteps in becoming a member of the Masonic Lodge and maintained that until the day he passed. Beyond his love for the great outdoors, Bob had a passion for classic western films and enjoying the old game shows. He possessed an uncanny ability to fix things, or sometimes just add to something to make it better. Despite not having finished his college education to enter the workforce, he had an incredible ability to figure things out and know how to do them.

Bob was preceded in death by both of his parents. He is survived by his beloved wife, Catherine "Cathy" Wilkinson of Centerville; son, Rob Wilkinson (Keva) of Shallowater; daughters, Vicki Brumley of Shallowater and Shelli Starkey (Jay) of Brownfield; step-sons, Joe Horak (Jonna) of Bellville and David Horak (Toni) of Friendswood; brother, Dan Wilkinson of Odessa; nephew, Paul Wilkinson (Shandra); fifteen grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. Their memories and the legacy Bob leaves behind will forever be treasured.

Family, friends, and members of the community are invited to join in celebrating the remarkable life of Bob Wilkinson. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, December 2, 2023 at Shaffer-Nichols Funeral Home in Crane, Texas. Following the service, a burial will be held at Crane County Cemetery.

As we bid farewell to Bob, let us remember him fondly for his adventurous spirit, his strong work ethic, and the lasting impact he made on all those who were fortunate enough to have crossed his path. May his soul find eternal peace as he finds solace in the heavens beyond.