Garland Kent Wilkinson

Garland Kent Wilkinson, 80, of Farmington, gained his wings and returned to his heavenly home on Wednesday, July 10, 2024. He was born April 20, 1944, in Lubbock, Texas, to Charlie and Alma Wilkinson. He was the second youngest of four children. He grew up in Lubbock, Texas, and soon after High School he enlisted in the Army. He proudly served his country during Vietnam and became a Brigadier General. During Vietnam, his helicopter was shot down and he was the lone survivor. He later attended college and graduated from Lubbock Christian University with a degree in drafting. While living in Lubbock, Texas, he met his wife Rose Schieber and they were married in 1970. They briefly lived in Albuquerque and Washington before moving to Farmington in 1972. He had many battles to face moving forward, and after medically retiring from the military, he went on to work for the United States Postal Service where he was injured on the job. He worked for several years at American Steel as a draftsman and as a jeweler in New Mexico and Washington. 

He had a passion for art and was always drawing or creating in the woodshop. He became a stay-at-home dad for his three children. He could always be found volunteering at the elementary school where all of the kids knew him by name. He was a Girl Scout leader, Campfire troop leader, and Coach. He had a passion for coaching soccer and baseball. He started a league for the little guys and called it Puff-n-Stuff. He coached his son through soccer, coached his daughters in softball, and later went on to coach his grandsons. He never missed a ballgame and if he wasn't coaching, was on the sidelines cheering them on. He spent countless hours on the river or lake with a fishing pole in his hand. He always had patience when he taught the kids to cast a line, bait a hook, or handle a fish. He had a deep love for fried catfish, cornbread, and a big pot of beans. Some of his latest dreams were of biscuits and gravy. He was an avid Cowboys fan and spent Sundays watching the game with a Diet Pepsi in his hand. 

His grandchildren were his pride and joy. He was known as papa and could always be heard saying, "Hey little buddy." His eyes would always light up when the great grandkids would come over to visit. He would spend countless hours watching shows about aliens and bigfoot with his big little buddy. The middle one loved to play hide and seek and would always run and ask grandpa for help with the perfect hiding place. The littlest loved climbing into his bed and ringing the doorbell to get everyone's attention.

Kent was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie Wilkinson, Beulah Wilkinson, and Alma Wilkinson, his brothers, Charlie Wilkinson, Roy Wilkinson, his sister Wilma Hawley, his daughter Cissy Wilkinson, and 5 grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Rose Wilkinson of Farmington; his daughter Kristy Wilkinson (Jake Darby) of Farmington, son Michael Wilkinson of Colorado Springs; grandchildren Kason Wilkinson of Farmington and Jesse Reynolds of Bloomfield, Anastasia, Aliyah, Carter, Raymond, Zander, and D'Lainey Wilkinson, all of Colorado Springs; great grandchildren Leighlind 11, Myles 6, and Jet 2, Wilkinson of Farmington, and Brooklyn 8, Kaiden 7, and Hailey 2 months of Bloomfield. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. 

Kent had a great sense of humor and made an impression on everyone he met. People he hardly knew always had a story to tell about him. He gained his wings and can now walk and run with the freedom that he so deserves. I'm sure he is up there playing ball with his daughter. His legacy will live on, and he will never be forgotten.

Viewing will take place on July 16, 2024 from 3:30 - 4:30 at Farmington Funeral Home. Services will be held on July 17, 2024 at Farmington Funeral Home. Internment and honor guard will follow for family at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Farmington, NM. All are welcome to attend a celebration of life luncheon at the family home at 1:30. Garland is in the care of Farmington Funeral Home, 2111 W Apache Street, Farmington, NM, (505) 325-2211.