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Donald Roy Wilkinson

Donald Roy Wilkinson, of Templeton, PA, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025 at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born on Feb. 16, 1938 and just celebrated his 87th birthday. Born in Templeton, PA, Don was the only son of William Herbert and May Lena (Chestnutt) Wilkinson. He graduated from Dayton Joint High School in 1956 and attended the Templeton Church of God.

Don worked during the construction of the Reesedale Power Plant and then Harbison-Walker Clay Mine. He married Kathleen Reedy on Oct. 31, 1958 and entered the U.S. Army Military in Nov. of 1961. Don served his basic training in Fort Knox, KY and then trained at Fort Gordon, GA for the Military Police. He was then stationed at Nuremberg, Germany where he received rank of PFC (Private First Class). Don was then transferred to Carlisle Barracks, PA in Feb of 1963 where he received a certificate of achievement award from Mayor General Wm F. Train.

After his military service, Don worked at Harbison-Walker Clay Mines and then as a mine foreman at Drexel Refractories Clay Mine. In 1979, he went to work for the DEP as a state underground mine inspector for 22 years and retired in 2001.

Don enjoyed hunting and fishing. He had a passion for automobiles and took great pride in cleaning, waxing and shining his cars.

His memory will be cherished by his loving wife of 66 years, Kathleen (Reedy) Wilkinson; his daughter, Dawn Lasher and husband, Bradley of Ford City; grandchildren, Desiree (Evan) Croyle and Miranda (Jeffrey) Santa; great-granddaughter, Brielle Croyle; and a sister Betty Mitchell and husband, Alan of Kittanning, PA.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Mary McLaughlin; and half-sisters, Charlotte Brown, Maxine Reed.

Friends and family will be received from 2 - 4 PM and 7 - 9 PM on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, at the Bauer Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 515 N. McKean Street, Kittanning, PA.

Additional visitation will be held from 10 AM until the time of services at 11 AM on Monday, Feb. 24, 2025 at the Bauer Funeral Home with the Rev. Robert Grimm officiating. Military Honors will be presented by the American Legion Honor Guard.

Interment will be in Cochran Cemetery, Templeton, PA.


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