Richard Edwin Wilkin, retired Pastor born near Paulding, Ohio November 3, 1930, to Gaylord Wilkin & Beulah (Tarlton) Hunter; married Barbara A. Zehender August 10, 1952; children Richard Edward, James Lee & Deborah Ann. Richard & Barbara raised two nephews & a niece ... Franklin, Tina & Duncan Zehender. Richard graduated from Findlay College in 1952, from Indiana University in 1960, received a Doctorate of Divinity in 1975 from Findlay College. His call to ministry came while singing in the Gospel Five Quartet. Richard pastored at Neptune Church of God 1952-1959, Wharton Church of God 1959-1964, and Anthony Wayne Church of God 1964-1970. Richard served as Administrator of Churches of God, General Conference 1970-1987. During his ministry, he held many leadership, trustee and director positions.
Richard was a member of the College First Church of God. His special interests included summer camp staff at Camp Otyokwah where he served as a counselor. He was an avid crossword puzzle fan and relaxed putting jigsaw puzzles together. He enjoyed traveling with his spouse and family members and particularly enjoyed U of F football and basketball as well as other university activities.
Surviving are wife, Barbara of Findlay; son Richard Wilkin of Fostoria; son James (Tamela) Wilkin of Townsend, TN; daughter Deborah (Wade) Phillips of Portland, OR; Franklin (Heather) Zehender of Findlay, OH; Tina Duncan of Findlay, OH; Duncan (Carolyn) Zehender of Findlay, OH; grandchildren Matthew (Kami) Wilkin of London, Ohio; Andrew (Melissa) Wilkin of Conroe, TX; Ryan Phillips of Portland, OR; great-grandchildren Brianne & Keaten Wilkin of London, OH and Addilyn Wilkin of Conroe, TX; brother David (Elaine) Wilkin of New Haven, IN; sister Carol (Marty) Penhorwood of Hamilton, OH; and brother-in-law Joe Morgan of Topeka, KS.
Richard was preceded in death by his father Gaylord (Grace) Wilkin; mother Beulah (Darrell) Hunter; sister Jeanne Morgan; brother Gerry Wilkin; and brother Charles Wilkin.
A celebration of life service will be held at College First Church of God on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, at 11 a.m. Pastor William Reist officiating, service can be streamed live at https://collegefirst.org/onlineworship/. Visitation will precede the service at the church from 10-11 a.m. The family requests that everyone please wear masks, while attending the visitation and service due to family health issues. Memorial contributions may be made to The University of Findlay - The Richard & Barbara Wilkin Endowed Scholarship Fund. Arrangements are being handled by Coldren-Crates Funeral Home and online condolences can be shared by visiting coldrencrates.com