Ronald W. Wilkins

OAKHAM – Ronald W. Wilkins, 92, died peacefully on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at The Hermitage Healthcare, Worcester. He was born and raised in Oakham, MA the son of Oliver Woodbury Lull Wilkins, Sr. and Etta Mae (Snow) Wilkins.

Ronald's life was centered on the principles on which our nation was founded – duty to God and Country. He proudly served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII as an airborne radio operator and mechanic aboard B-17 bombers. Ronald achieved the rating of Corporal and was a member of the 1st Experimental Guided Missile Squadron and the 7th Task Force in the Pacific area. He had the honor of serving with General James Doolittle, who accompanied his squadron on Ronald's plane for a series of secret reconnaissance missions over the Aleutian Islands. Recently Ronald was presented with a flag pin and certificate thanking him for his service to his country along with a photo of a B-17 bomber. He was so proud to show everyone that photo.

After returning home from the war, Ronald held several occupations, including being a police officer in Oakham and the school photographer for Oakham. He was proud of his career at Dean Paving Co. which spanned many years. At Dean Paving Co. he held several positions, truck driver, pugmill operator, and superintendent of paving, retiring as a salesman.

Ronald was deeply devoted to Freemasonry and was a 50-year member of Mount Zion Lodge of Masons in Barre where he served as Worshipful Master from 1974 to 1975. He was a member of the York Rite Bodies of Massachusetts, including King Philip York Rite College No. 160 in Springfield where he was a Past Master, Thomas Royal Arch Chapter in Fitchburg, the Thomas Harold Council and was a Past Commander of Jerusalem Commandery No. 19, Knights Templar in Fitchburg. He was also active in Cradle Rock Chapter No. 125, Order of the Eastern Star in Barre where he served as Worthy Patron in 2005 and 2010. On April 2, 2018, Ronald was honored with a 50-year veteran's medal for his decades of service to Freemasonry from the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. Being a Mason was his life and he considered his brothers as family. Ronald was also a member of the American Legion Post 2 in Barre where he leaves many dear friends.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 43 years, Maureen C. (Murphy) Wilkins, the love of his life. Ronald also leaves nephews, Richard Batchelor, William Wilkins, Robert Wilkins, Charles Wilkins, David Charron, Fred Mueller and Alan Mueller. He leaves a sister-in-law, Helen Walton, and nieces, Faye Batchelor, Doris O'Hearn, and Heather Warren and her husband, Brad, and many other nieces and nephews.

Ronald was predeceased by all of his nine siblings, Oliver Woodbury Lull Wilkins, Jr., William Wilkins, Kenneth Wilkins, Lawrence Wilkins, Mildred Mueller, Madeleine Batchelor, Marion Charron, Marjorie Chretian and Mabel Gleason and his step-daughter, Debra J. Ramsey.

Ronald enjoyed word search puzzles, Skip Bo, bingo, and hot dogs. He especially loved camping, traveling and exploring the United States with his wife, Maureen, in their RV.

We would like to thank the staff of The Hermitage Healthcare and Beacon Hospice for all their care, support, understanding and, especially, the friendship given to him.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service honoring and celebrating Ronald's life at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 5, 2019 at the Oakham Congregational Church, 4 Coldbrook Road, Oakham. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery, Oakham. Donations may be made to Mt. Zion Lodge, AF & AM, PO Box 561, Barre, MA 01005, or Oakham Congregational Church, 4 Coldbrook Road, Oakham, MA 01068. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden.