Donald R. Wilkinson, retired professor
Donald R. Wilkinson, PhD, 84, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away Thursday, July 27, 2017, at Delaware Hospice Center, in Milford. He was born Tuesday, Jan. 24, 1933, in Girardville, Pa., son of the late Richard and Alberta (Brain) Wilkinson.
Dr. Wilkinson was a proud U.S. Army veteran, serving during the Korean Conflict. He attended Albright College and graduated from Millersville State College in 1957 with a bachelor’s degree in science education; from Temple University in 1962 with a master’s in general education; University of Oklahoma in 1965 with a master’s in inorganic chemistry; and University of Delaware in 1971 with a doctoral degree in analytical chemistry.
Dr. Wilkinson was a professor for 33 years at Delaware State University, taught at University of Delaware, and was a consultant for the Delaware State Police. He was a member of the American Chemical Society, the American Legion and the Lewes-Rehoboth Rotary Club. He was also a prior member of the Camden and Smyrna Rotary clubs. Dr. Wilkinson was also the owner and inventor of Toxtrap Inc., a supplier of products used with drug and alcohol testing programs. He loved military history, the theater, musicals, murder mysteries and traveling. He was an avid Philadelphia sports fan; the Phillies, 76ers, and Eagles were among his favorites. His hobbies included boating, crabbing and cooking.
More than anything, however, he cherished the time spent with his dear family and friends, especially participating in his adored grandchildren's activities. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, and a mentor to many of his former students. He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.
Dr. Wilkinson is survived by his beloved wife, Carol L. Wilkinson of Rehoboth Beach; his daughter, Donna Wilkinson Josefowski and her husband Larry of Magnolia; his grandson, Robert Josefowski of Magnolia; his granddaughter, Kaitlin Josefowski of Magnolia; his son, Jeffrey Bartsch of Dover; his brother, Richard Wilkinson and his wife Zitta of Lawton, Okla.; his sisters, Virginia Mallery and her husband Larry of Dover, and Claire Patterson and her husband Richard of West Chester, Pa.; and his very special niece, Sherry Blake and her husband David and their children of Dover.
Funeral Services will be held Thursday, Aug. 3, at 11 a.m., at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, where friends may visit beginning at 10 a.m. Interment with military honors will follow the services at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Dr. Wilkinson's memory to: National Brussels Griffon Rescue Inc., Betty Mundy, 5760 Little Farm Road, Creston, CA 93432, or to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.
Please visit Dr. Wilkinson's Life Memorial Webpage and sign the online guest book at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
