Mark Wilkins, 78

Mark Elbert Wilkins, age 78, of Three Rivers, passed away Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born June 6, 1948 in Beaumont, Texas, the son of Hugh and Annie (Wilson) Wilkins, and graduated from Vidor (Texas) High School with the Class of 1966. Growing up he enjoyed Cub Scouts, Little League Ball, and singing in school choirs.

Mark earned his Associates Degree in Laser Electro-Optics from Texas State Technical Institute (now Texas State Technical College). He was a camera operator at the local TV station in Waco while attending school on his GI Bill.

He served his country in the United States Navy from 1967-1973.

Mark worked as a research assistant at Sandia National Laboratories. His scientific mind thrived and while there, he earned a patent in an energy application.

While in Albuquerque, he married Patty DeMott and soon welcomed their son, Austin. Later, they moved to Colorado where Mark and Patty worked in interior design, custom furniture building, and log cabin construction. Later, Mark and his family homesteaded in Missouri before returning to Colorado.

From there, Mark was employed by Answers in Genesis, Petersburg, Kentucky where he used his many building, engineering, and construction and CNC skills as an exhibit fabricator at the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter. This occupation was the most meaningful and fulfilling of his final working years.

Mark met Joy Kline when she volunteered during the construction of the Creation Museum and were introduced by mutual friends. They married on December 29, 2006 in Coldwater.

In Michigan, Mark continued to enjoy using his construction and building skills, hand-cranking 5 gallons of ice cream in the neighborhood, and attending activities and performances with grandchildren. He loved big family gatherings, smoking meat, traveling anywhere in Michigan, hunting for Petoskey stones, and visiting Mackinac Island.

He was a member of Three Rivers Bible Church and an active member of Citizens for Life of Southwest Michigan for a number of years.

Remaining to cherish his memory are his wife, Joy Kline-Wilkins; son, Austin (Leigh) Wilkins; daughters, Dana (Chuck) Friese, Laura (Zach) Newland, and Jenna Kline; grandchildren, Fox and Grayson Wilkins, Jada, Kira, and Clark Friese, and Katie Newland; brother, James (Linda) Wilkins; and sister, Cathie Proctor.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Patty; and brother, Glynn.

His family will receive friends Saturday, October 10, 2026 beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Three Rivers Bible Church, 220 N. Erie St., Three Rivers. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the church with Pastor Jeff Homan officiating. He will be laid to rest in Ft. Custer National Cemetery.

Donations in Mark’s memory may be directed to Creation Museum or Ark Encounter. Envelopes will be available at the church and at Hohner Funeral Home.