Don Earl Wilkes

DON EARL WILKES, 78, of Bellville, Texas, passed away Friday, May 24, 2019, in Bellville. He was born November 18, 1940, the son of Lewis O. and Elizabeth Rosabel (Mills) Wilkes, in Graham, Texas. Don grew up and attended schools in the Graham area, graduating from Graham High School. After high school, he attended Texas A&M University, where he played in the Aggie band. Don was employed as an electrical engineer with an offshore drilling company. He was united in marriage to Betty LaRhue on February 7, 1987, in Breckenridge, Colorado. They made their home in Bellville. Don enjoyed collecting coins, skiing and being a hobby repairman. He is survived by his wife: Betty Wilkes of Bellville; daughters: Laura Wilkes of Graham, Linda Williams and her husband, Ron, of Mesquite, and Amy Shubert of Graham; sons: David Birdwell of Bellville, Mark Birdwell of The Woodlands and Gary Birdwell and his wife, Lisa, of The Woodlands. Don is also survived by his twelve grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many other relatives and dear friends. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Elizabeth Wilkes, son, Michael Wilkes and brother, Louis Wilkes. Friends who wish may make memorial gifts to: The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center P.O. Box 4486 Houston, Texas 77210-4486