Arland Howard Wilkins

Jul. 25, 1922 - Aug. 1, 2017

Date of Service: Aug. 14, 2017

PAUL—Arland Howard Wilkins, 95, of Paul, passed away on August 1, 2017, of injuries incurred in an automobile accident.

Howard was born in Rupert, Idaho, July 25,1922, the fourth child of Arland Blackman Wilkins and Sarah Amelia Reading. He lived in the Pioneer area his entire life and attended Pioneer elementary school, and later Rupert High School. Upon graduating high school, he continued farming with his father until he was drafted into the service during World War II.

During the war, he served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Saginaw Bay (CVE-82), an escort carrier, in the Pacific theater. He was honorably discharged at the end of the war, returned home, and purchased his first farm, continuing his lifelong love of farming.

He met a sassy redhead on a blind date, Donna Jolley, and soon thereafter they were married in the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple, on July 9, 1952. They began their married life together on the farm, raising three outstanding children. Just ask the children!

Howard had many interests. Using the G.I. bill, he learned to weld. He designed and built many farm implements over the years. He also obtained his private pilot license and enjoyed flying in his own private plane. Other hobbies were: boating, fishing, and wood working.

He had a special love of animals. He always had a dog, which he used to work the cattle, sheep, and hogs. For many years he had a small herd of Brahma cattle.

Like his father before him, Howard was generous with his time and resources, taking care of many members of his extended family.

Howard was a longtime member of the Paul 2nd ward. He served as the high priest group leader and as a stake high councilman. His favorite calling was teaching the Valiant A children in primary. He affectionately called them the “Violent A’s”.

Howard is survived by his wife of 65 years, Donna; his three children, Brent (Kate) Wilkins of Fort Collins, Colorado, Yvonne (Ernie) Silva of Lindon, Utah, and Marlene (Pat) Box of Pleasant Grove, Utah; 11 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; a sister, Arthel Murdoch of Salt Lake City, and a brother, Theron Wilkins, of Paul.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, August 14, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Paul Stake Center, located at 424 W. Ellis St., in Paul, with Bishop Dean Stevenson officiating. Burial will follow in the Paul Cemetery.

Friends may call from 5 until 7 p.m. Sunday, August 13, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. preceding the funeral service at the church.