Robert Austin Wilkins
Robert Austin Wilkins, Sr., 75, passed away March 17, 2018. Rob was born to C. Howard and Jane (Austin) Wilkins on July 17, 1942 in Wichita, KS. He attended Blessed Sacrament grade school, Kapaun High School, and Yale University. In 1969 he married Karen Nothnagel. After college he joined his father at Harris Upham as a stockbroker. A profession he stayed with the next 52 years. During those years Rob’s first interest was always the welfare of the client. Regardless of how big or small they were. He was just as likely to talk someone out of an ill-advised decision as he was to encourage them. Above all else, he was dedicated to being ethical and honest. He had many clients with whom he became very good friends. During those years, he was also very involved in the community. Having board positions in Junior Achievement, the Cancer Society and Rotary, just to name a few. He and three others brought crew (rowing) to Wichita, helped get the original Wings started and fought to get the boat house on the river. Rob loved Wichita and was also active in the Leukemia Society, Via Christi Foundation, Chamber of Commerce, and Newman University. But, perhaps the most lasting impact he made on the community was among the 200-plus children/tweens that called him Coach. He coached girls’ softball and basketball and boys’ basketball and soccer for almost 20 years. He felt blessed with wonderful boys, girls, and parents. Three thirty would find him on the softball field, business jacket hanging on the fence, cigarette clenched between his teeth, hitting grounders to the girls. At boys’ basketball games, he could be heard from the coach’s bench yelling “Run the play, run the play.” He believed every player deserved to build self-confidence based on the talent they were born with and he worked to instill that confidence. But, he did want to win. He was out scouting the other teams for weaknesses as early as 3rd grade. He enjoyed many adventures in his life. As a night clerk in Breckenridge, he skied every day. He was a Golden Gloves champ in his weight class. Also, he cleaned up hurricane damage on the East Coast, was a co-pilot in a Cessna 410 (with 4 hours training), and sailed a 70 ketch from Gibraltar to Antiqua. Rob and Karen had 4 children, Jeremy (Bryan) Didier, Dr. Stephanie (Jason) Swords, Robin, and Rob, Jr. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Robin; sister, Jane; and brother, Howard. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Karen; children, Jeremy, Stephanie, and Robert, Jr.; and seven grandchildren. In their eyes he was the most successful of all husbands and fathers. Not only in providing for them, but giving them love, affection, and wisdom. His family dearly loved him and will miss him greatly, but he is with God and other loved ones now and how could they ask for more. We love and miss you Rob/Dad/Papa. The Rosary will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 22, funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Friday, March 23, both at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with: Blessed Sacrament Catholic School 124 N. Roosevelt, Wichita, KS, 67208; Wichita Rowing Association, c/o Jay Pfeiffer, 312 S. Terrace, Wichita, KS 67218. Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.Published by Kansas City Star on Mar. 20, 2018.