Kenneth M. “Kenny” Wilkinson, LTC USA (Ret)

 

Kenneth M. “Kenny” Wilkinson, LTC USA (Ret)

December 20, 1966 – September 18, 2019

Age 52

LTC Kenneth Maurice Wilkinson was born in Dugway Proving Ground, UT, to Maurice and Eunice (Rogers) Wilkinson. On May 13, 1989, Kenny was united in marriage to Tonya Anderson Wilkinson. He graduated from Clinton High School (Clinton, SC) in 1985, and Clemson University in 1989. Kenny served in the United States Army for 21 years. He was a UH-60 Blackhawk pilot and proudly served two tours in the 82nd Airborne Division. In retirement, Kenny worked as a National Park Law Enforcement Ranger, an EMT, and maintenance coordinator at Harvest Community Church in Omaha, NE, where he was also a member.

Kenny is survived by his wife of 30 years, Tonya of Bellevue, NE; parents Maurice and Eunice Wilkinson of Simpsonville, SC; children Cayce (Josh Graalfs) of Council Bluffs, IA and Jacob (Gini Phillips) of Roeland Park, KS; one grandchild on the way; siblings Stephen (Wendy) Wilkinson and Becky (Mike) Oliver, all of Simpsonville, SC; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. at Harvest Community Church, 3903 Cuming St, Omaha, on Sunday, September 22, with Military Honors by the US Army National Guard Honor Guard and American Legion Post 331. A Reception of Friends will follow the service until 4:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Harvest Community Church Capital Campaign.

Inurnment will be held at the Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

27 Comments

  • Louanne Craft Posted September 19, 2019 2:47 pm

    Tonya, our hearts are so sad for you. This is a death that should not have happened. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers in the days, weeks, and months ahead. May God hold you in his arms and carry you through this path of grief. Love, Steve and Louanne

  • Mac Young Posted September 19, 2019 5:20 pm

    I had the pleasure of coaching Kenny in Jr. High football. He was very coachable , smart, determined and tough as nails. Prayers for his wonderful supportive family. Kenny made an impression on me that I love and will carry for the rest of my life. Rest In Peace old friend.

  • Kelly Chaney Henwood Posted September 19, 2019 5:29 pm

    Mr. and Mrs. Wilkinson, Stephen, Becky and Kenny’s family. My heart is very saddened to hear of Kenny’s death. Although it has been many years since I’ve seen y’all, I have so many fond memories of growing up with Kenny , Stephen and Becky on Sunset in Clinton. Please know my prayers are with you. Sending much love…….Kelly

  • James Woody Posted September 19, 2019 5:42 pm

    I am saddened by hearing the news.. I have memories of my youth with Kenny throughout school and playing sports. I really admired Kenny; he was a great person. My thoughts and prayers for each one of the family.
    May God give you strength in the coming days!

  • Scott Floyd Posted September 19, 2019 6:01 pm

    So very sorry! A fine man! God’s peace to the family.

  • Keith Werts Posted September 19, 2019 7:20 pm

    I’m saddened to hear the news of the passing of a long time friend, teammate and classmate. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Wilkinson family.

  • JARRAD P WILKINSON Posted September 19, 2019 7:30 pm

    Cousin, you will be missed but I know that you are with the Lord, and I will see you again one day!

  • Mary Truelock Posted September 19, 2019 8:46 pm

    I am deeply saddened by the loss of such a great man. He was a dear friend to many of us in school. He was always an excellent classmate and wonderful at all the sports he played. I was just asking about him today with my classmates that are together for a girls’ getaway and found out the news of his passing. May God be with you all during this difficult time, and you all are in my prayers.

  • Wanisa Richardson Posted September 20, 2019 5:56 am

    I am so sorry to hear of the passing ,of one of my fellow classmates. It saddens my heart to know one gone so soon. Sending my Deepest Condolences to his family. 🙏🏽

  • Gary Kuykendall Posted September 20, 2019 7:29 am

    My condolences to Kenny’s family. Although, he was much younger, I did have the privilege of knowing his parents when they lived in Clinton, SC.. My wife Toddi knew Kenny well and such sweet memories of his friendship at Clinton High School. Her heart was saddened by his passing and from her memories, I could tell Kenny was a special kind and loving person.

  • Bill Seawright Posted September 20, 2019 12:14 pm

    Smart, tough, and determined are just a few qualities that come to mind when I think of my friend Kenny Wilkinson . We are very sad in hearing the news that our friend Kenny had passed away. #54 was a great leader in all phases of life! Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Wilkinson family.

    Bill and Wendee Seawright

  • Mark Andrews Posted September 20, 2019 1:00 pm

    So sad to hear the news about Kenny’s passing. Please know that the folks in Greenville SC are praying for you all at this time. May God’s comfort, strength and peace be with you now and always. .

  • Linda Ficklin Posted September 20, 2019 4:24 pm

    Praying for you and your family.

  • Tim Healy Posted September 20, 2019 4:58 pm

    Tonya,

    I am so sorry for your loss. Kenny was always so upbeat and never let any challenge get in his way. Know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

  • Kevin Mann Posted September 20, 2019 5:27 pm

    One of my fondest memories in life is “The Terrific Trio of Trash” (long story). Kenny and I were both two of the three in that trio (the third being Tye Martin). Upon hearing this news, I wept. Kenny and I had lost contact and hadn’t spoken in over 25 years. Kenny was an outstanding human being. He was exemplary in every way. I’m proud to have known him and to have been included in his circle of friends.This news is truly heart-wrenching. Everybody loved him.

  • Mary Anne Clyburn Posted September 20, 2019 7:20 pm

    Tonya: My heart is weeping for you and your family. May God wrap you in His love and be by your side as you travel the grief journey ahead. My love and prayers. Mary Anne

  • Bobby Swindler Posted September 21, 2019 6:05 am

    Sadden to hear of the passing of a Red Devil Teammate ,fellow Soldier who I had the privilege of running into in Iraq and most of all life long Friend from Clinton. Kenny take your rest now my friend and I Salute you.R.I.P.

  • Amy Bohnslav Posted September 21, 2019 8:20 am

    Tonya, I’m so sorry for your loss for you and your family. Ginger, Billy, and i are thinking of you.

  • Toby Woodard Posted September 21, 2019 6:03 pm

    I always had a great deal of respect for Kenny, though I lost track of you all after Clemson. I’m very saddened for your loss.

  • Jacob Simpson Posted September 21, 2019 10:56 pm

    I have not seen Kenny since we graduated hich school in 1985. This news hit me very hard as if we just talked yesterday. The impression he left upon me through ours years of school were engraved in my memories. His character and work ethics speak for itsellf as a testimony of the man he was. He will be truely missed by his friends. Family, I pray for your peace and may you cherish your memories and the wisdom he imparted.

  • Scott Moore Posted September 25, 2019 11:49 am

    Kenny was a Godly man. I didn’t know him past Clemson, but I know the character and integrity he showed at Clemson followed him through life as a husband and father. You and your family will be in my prayers. God’s peace, joy and blessings be with you all during this time.

  • Michael Prictor Posted January 19, 2020 12:09 pm

    Very sad to hear and my condolences to to Tonya and the family. I knew Kenny as Captain Kenny Wilkinson, B Company ‘Cavemen’ Company, 2nd Battalion, 82nd Aviation Regiment.

  • John H Drake Posted January 19, 2020 3:09 pm

    Tonya, I just found out and am so sorry for your loss. Kenny was one heck of a good man and a leader among peers, even as a young man. All of his ROTC brothers loved and respected him and have you all in our prayers.

  • Charles Porcher Posted January 25, 2020 3:24 pm

    Tonya So very sorry for your loss. Kenny was the best of all us in the Clemson ROTC Class of 89.

  • Don e Bridgers Posted April 14, 2022 9:50 am

    I am so saddened to hear this. I knew him from the Army, flight school and the 82d, and he was a great man! Kenny and his family will be in my prayers.

  • James Potts Posted June 6, 2023 9:02 pm

    Kenny and I grew up together. Several different camps. Scouts. Elementary and middle school. YMCA ball. Two different churches. Our families camped together on lake greenwood. Although we did not go to high school together, I was invited to and fortunate to attend his high school class memorial as if I had. He was a role model growing up and a friend. Many good times together. Kenny, you are missed!

  • Kim (Hanson) Fall Posted September 16, 2023 9:53 am

    As you come upon the 4th anniversary of losing your husband, son, father and brother, know that all of us from the Clinton H.S. class of 1985 are thinking of you in your loss. Kenny was a great friend to all of us and I’m sure you still grapple with his loss on a daily basis. May God’s peace be with each of you!

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