Noel Eugene Wilkins

Noel Eugene Wilkins The First

Noel passed away peacefully at home at 4:09 am on Thursday, November 19, 2020 surrounded by his wife and family after his strong but short battle with lung cancer.

Noel is survived by wife Jane (Peterson) Wilkins of Bellevue, NE (Previously Callaway, NE); Daughter Kimberly (Wilkins) Baldwin of Broken Bow, NE; Sons Noel (Theresa) Wilkins and Shawn Wilkins both of Metropolis, IL; Stepson Richard Jacobson of Gothenburg, NE; Stepdaughters Larinda (David) Burgess and Christina Navejar both of Bellevue, NE; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, two great-great grandsons and several extended family members.

Noel was preceded in death by his father Joseph Richard Wilkins; Mother Nellie Marie Ellis-Wilkins; Brother Jim Wilkins; Sister Jean (Wilkins) Nickerson; Half-brothers Doug and Junior Wilkins; Half-sisters Evelyn Wilkins, Mertle (Wilkins) Arvil, and Opal Bunch; Step-daughter Deborah (Jacobson) Johnson; Grandson Andrew Wilkins; Step-grandson Matthew Sears and several cousins, nieces, nephews and other extended family members.

Noel was born on April 12, 1944 in Metropolis, IL to Joseph and Nellie Wilkins. Noel joined the army while still a teenager and served three years. In 1963 Noel married Barbara Robinson and to this union three children were born: Kimberly, Noel 2nd, and Shawn. After his divorce Noel moved to Nebraska where he met Jane. Jane and Noel were married on December 18, 1978 and from this union Noel gained four stepchildren Deborah, Richard, Larinda, and Christina.

After traveling around the United States for work Jane and Noel settled on the 25 acres in Callaway, Nebraska where they built their dream home. Noel and Jane lived on their farm until the summer of this year when they moved to Bellevue, Nebraska to be close to daughters Larinda and Christi after being diagnosed with lung cancer.

At this time due to COVID-19 the family has chosen to not have any services. A celebration of life is being planned for the Spring or Summer of 2021 in the Arnold/Callaway area, which Noel considered home. The family asks that all cards and condolences be sent to:

Jane Wilkins  2812 Nottingham Dr  Bellevue, NE 68123

The family thanks everyone for their sympathies and support during this difficult time and we look forward to seeing you all at his celebration of life next year.