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Donald Eugene Wilks
April 12, 1935 ~ November 2, 2021
Donald Eugene Wilks, 86, passed away on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 in Arlington.
Memorial Service: 11 a.m. Thursday, November 11, at Wade Family Funeral Home, 4140 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington. Visitation: 10-11 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.
Donald was born on April 12, 1935 in LaJunta, Colorado to Ray Irven Wilks and Ruth Yoder Wilks. He was raised in Verona, Missouri and served in the U.S. Army. He graduated from Southwest Missouri State in 1960 and was a member of K.A. Donald worked for Swift from 1960-1970 in St. Louis, Chicago and Houston. He began a career with ITT Tech Institute in 1973 in Dayton, Ohio. Throughout the years, he served as a Center Director and Sales Manager, ending as the Arlington Area Manager for ITT Texas Schools in 1982. In 1993, Donald began a used car and boat business for 15 years.
He was a member of the Arlington Senior Men's Golf Association for 17 years. He volunteered for the Arlington Women's Shelter for 20 years, where he received Volunteer of the Year numerous times. He was so appreciated that they named an award after him. Donald was an avid runner and ran several marathons including the Cowtown and White Rock Lake Marathons. He loved boating and golfing. He dearly loved his family, friends and community.
Donald was preceded in death by his daughter, Lora Elizabeth Martin; sister, Shirley Hull; and son-in-law, Bill Mason.
Survivors: Wife, Laurie Sidwell Wilks; daughters, Melinda Wilks Mason and Stacey LaPorte and husband, William; grandchildren, Whitney Morgan Bonser and husband, Skyler, Mitchell James Mason; 2 great-grandchildren, Farrah Sophia Bonser and Theron Jud Bonser; and several nieces and nephews.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association North Central Texas Chapter, 817-336-4949.
Wade Family Funeral Home
(817) 274-9233
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My sincere condolences to Laurie and Don’s daughters Melinda and Stacey. Don was a positive influence on many people, including my brother Barry Simich during his time at ITT. May he Rest In Peace. May all of you be surrounded in peace and comfort during this time. I know you will miss him greatly. Suzanne (Simich) Scott