Paul Keith Wilkinson passed away on May 20, 2021 at the age of 95, at his home in Ashby Ponds, Ashburn, VA, surrounded by family.
Born in Indianola, Iowa, Keith was raised in Monroe, WI where he graduated from high school. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the Naval Preflight Program where he served until WWII ended. Returning to WI, he attended the U of WI where he obtained his Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He then enlisted in what was to become the United States Air Force. He piloted B-29s and B-47s and saw combat duty in Korea and Viet Nam. Staff duties included Director of Training at the NCO Academy in MA; Command Briefing Officer at SAC Headquarters; Strategic Recon Assignment; Air Attache to New Zealand; Director of Personnel and Deputy Base Co. in NH. He attended the Air War College and several service-related schools. He received his Master of Public Administration in 1975.
Lt. Col. Wilkinson received the following medals in his career: Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with Cluster, WWII Victory Medal, National Defense Medal, Korean Service Medal, Viet Nam Service Medal, United Nations Forces Medal and South Korean Presidential Unit Citation.
An avid stamp collector, Keith was a charter member of the Newburyport, MA Stamp Club. He concentrated on Swiss stamps and was an expert in the Swiss Strubel.
A dedicated church member all his life, he had fond memories of his Methodist Church in Hampton, NH where he held many offices.
Keith is survived by his wife Ann Marty of Monroe, WI. Their 69-year life together was blessed by 2 daughters; Wendy Crowley (Richard) of Newmarket, NH and Rebecca Hanley (Kevin) of Darnestown, MD; and a son, Keith (Julie) of Colorado Springs, CO. He so enjoyed their 9 grandchildren; Ryan, Miranda and Morgan, Kaitlyn, Jillian, Sean and Colin, and James and Hailey – plus his 7 great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his sister, Ruth Gibbons.
A deep, knowledgeable man, devoted to his God, country and family, he will be missed.
Services and burial will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
