Steven Charles Wilkinson

With his father away at war, baby boy Steven arrived into the world at Mercy Hospital in Bakersfield, California surrounded by the love of his mother, Paula. His father Dallas always proudly recalled the story of being told at roll call, “Congratulations private, you have a healthy baby boy” This story may have inspired Steven’s own eventual service in the United States Army. Growing up in Wasco, California, and then on the Belridge Oil Lease, Steven graduated from Taft High School in 1963 and attended Bakersfield College the next year. He joined the Army in 1964 where he met and married his first wife Sharon. He brought his family back to Bakersfield when his father informed him of a job opportunity at Elk Hills Naval Petroleum Reserve. Steven spent over 30 years working at Elk Hills in various roles, and retired from OXY in 2012. He found many friendships while working at Elk Hills, although a private man he always found joy when he would meet past friends around town. He enjoyed the brief conversations that renewed friendship and felt as if time had not passed. His workplace also facilitated the meeting of the love of his life, Cindy, and on January 14 1995 Steven went on a first date with her, and never left her side from that point forward. In his free time Steve enjoyed frequent trips to the beach, Cambria in particular was a favorite destination, and he truly felt at home near the ocean. He also was a knowledgeable fan of multiple music genres, but especially Jazz, Country, and Rock. Once even declaring himself the King of Rock n’ Roll (don’t tell Elvis). Steven’s greatest passion in life was his family, and his children Matthew, Kevin, and Cynthia were his life and reason to get up in the morning. When he met Cindy, he was more than pleased to take on the role of stepfather to her children, Jennifer, Kacy, and Thomas, loving them as if they were his. When Jennifer unexpectedly passed away leaving behind her son Zack, Steven lovingly adopted and raised him as his own child. Later in life spending extended time with his many grandchildren was his favorite part of retirement. Steven is preceded in death by his mother Paula Jones Wilkinson, father Dallas M. Wilkinson, sister Patricia Wilkinson, uncle Ed Wilkinson and step-daughter Jennifer Hutton. He is survived by his wife Cindy Wilkinson, children Matthew, Kevin, Cynthia McCarley, Kacy McColgan, Thomas McColgan, and Zack, first wife Sharon Henson, five grandchildren, Tyler, Morgan, Kylie, Brooke, Darwin, niece Jennifer Sanderson, his aunt Mary and cousins.

Steven Charles Wilkinson

June 11, 1945 - December 24, 2018

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Steven Charles Wilkinson

June 11, 1945 - December 24, 2018

365 Days of Grief Support

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About Us

Grief & Healing

What We Do

Obituaries

Plan Ahead

Resources

Contact Info