Ernest Wilkinson

Ernest Wilkinson, 83, of Pampa, passed away, August 27, 2020 in Amarillo.

Private family memorial services will be at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church with Rev. Mark Lang, pastor, officiating. Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors.

Ernest was born on February 27, 1937 in Pampa to Lois and Audree Wilkinson. He attended school in Pampa and graduated from Pampa High School. After high school, he attended North Texas State University and graduated with a degree in business. While in college he met the love of his life, Suzie Murphy, and they later married in 1960. Ernest and Suzie moved to Pampa and they began their farming and ranching operation. Years later, he and Suzie entered the home health industry where they founded Shepard’s Crook Home Health which spanned 5 Texas cities and operated for 25 years.

After operating their business, they both became ordained Episcopal ministers,  serving as deacons in their church. Ernest was a civic-minded man who was a member of Rotary, Good Sam’s, served on the board of the Pampa Senior Citizens Center, and founded Helping Hands. Ernest’s interests included flying airplanes and raising llamas. Mr. Wilkinson always tried to give and help the less fortunate. He will be missed by his family, friends, community, and church.

Ernest was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Suzie Wilkinson of the home; a daughter, Mike Crump of Pampa; a son, Clark Wilkinson of Amarillo; a sister, Dauna Sue Wilkinson of Pampa; 3 grandchildren, Alex Wilkinson of Austin, Matthew Kirkpatrick of Amarillo, and Katie Deaver of Sanger; 6 great-grandchildren; and other extended family.

Memorials can be made to St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church 727 W. Browning St. Pampa, TX 79065.