Pahrump veterans display colors for one of their own
By Selwyn Harris Pahrump Valley Times
Special to the Pahrump Valley Times
Pahrump veteran and business owner Kenneth James Wilkinson was remembered during a memorial ceremony at Pahrump’s VFW Post 10054 on March 31. Wilkinson passed away on March 3, at the age of 71.
Special to the Pahrump Valley Times
Dozens of family, friends and fellow veterans honored Kenneth James Wilkinson with a special ceremony at the VFW Post 10054 on Homestead Road last month. Wilkinson served in the United States Navy from 1964 to 1984. He retired with the rank of Chief Petty Officer.
Special to the Pahrump Valley Times
Military rites for Kenneth James Wilkinson were provided by officials from the U.S. Navy Honor Guard and the Nye County Sheriff’s Office. Funeral services for Wilkinson were held on March 9 at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City.
Special to the Pahrump Valley Times
While he was born May 22, 1946 in Meriden, Connecticut, Wilkinson actually grew up in Orem, Utah. While in the service, Wilkinson was stationed in Florida, Virginia, California and Vietnam. He also served two tours aboard ship and two tours in country with the United States Marine Corps.
Special to the Pahrump Valley Times
After his retirement, Wilkinson embarked on a new career in both the trucking and transportation industry.
He eventually became the owner a motorcycle dealership in Pahrump. Prior to his passing, close friend Debbie Cullen, said Wilkinson settled into a very joyful life, surrounded by a community of close friends. He was known to frequent the local VFW Post conversing over a Coca-Cola on any given day.
Family and friends recently gathered to pay their respects to a local veteran.
Kenneth (Kenny) James Wilkinson, 71, passed away on March 3.
A memorial ceremony honoring him was held March 31 at Pahrump’s VFW Post 10054.
While he was born May 22, 1946 in Meriden, Connecticut, he actually grew up in Orem, Utah.
According to his obituary, Wilkinson served with distinction and the United States Navy for 20 years, from 1964 to 1984, where he retired as a chief petty officer.
While in the service, Wilkinson was stationed in Florida, Virginia, California and Vietnam.
He also served two tours aboard ship and two tours in country with the Marine Corps.
After his retirement, Wilkinson embarked on a new career in both the trucking and transportation industry.
He eventually became the owner of a motorcycle dealership in Pahrump.
Prior to his passing, close friend Debbie Cullen said Wilkinson settled into a very joyful life, surrounded by a community of close friends.
He was known to frequent the local VFW Post conversing over a Coca-Cola on any given day.
Wilkinson was survived by numerous family members.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Doris Lavonne, father Irvin Ike Goodrich and grandson Jared Michael White.
Military rites were performed by both the U.S. Navy Honor Guard and the Nye County Sheriff’s Office.
Contact reporter Selwyn Harris at sharris@pvtimes.com. On Twitter: @pvtimes
