Norman Wilkins Sr., 84

Blair native Norman Wilkins Sr., of Cozad, died July 27, 2002 at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. Funeral services were Wednesday, July 31, at the First United Methodist Church in Cozad with the Rev. Lyle Schoen officiating. Interment was in the Cozad Cemetery.

Norman W. Wilkins was born July 4, 1918, on the family farm near Blair to Norman and Sophia (Rathman) Wilkins. His mother died when he was seven years old, and his father died when he was 12. He lived primarily on his own, working in a grocery store. He graduated from Blair High School.

On July 12, 1941, he married Cleo Paulsen at Rockport, Mo. He was in the U.S. Army during World War II and served in the European Theater. After his discharge, he returned to Blair, where the couple owed and operated a grocery store and a clothing store.

He was a member of the Lutheran church, Masons, Blair Chamber of Commerce, Odd fellows, and served as fire chief.

In 1952, the couple moved to Cozad where he was part owner of Paulsen Building & Supply until his retirement in 1976.

While living in Cozad, he served as chamber president. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Shrine Tahama Order, American Legion and V.F.W. He was a charter member of the Cozad Oaks Lodge, and sponsored the Elks Youth Scholarship and Eagle Scout program. He also served on the Cozad Airport Authority and the board of the Cozad Country Club. He was a licensed pilot and loved golf, tennis, snow skiing, traveling, Nebraska football, and all sports.

Survivors include his wife, Cleo, of Cozad; daughter and son-in-law, Lynn and Jim Hatcher of Cozad, son and daughter-in-law, Jack and Becky Wilkins of Kearney; a sister, Florence Metzger of Scottsdale, Ariz., eight grandchildren and their spouses; four great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law and spouses, the Rev, Lyle and Agnes Paulsen of Tucson, Ariz., Earl and Dody Paulsen of Cozad; sister-in-law, Bonnie Paulsen of Gothenburg; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a son, Norman “Bill” Wilkins, Jr.; a sister, Marietta Petersen; and a brother, Frank Wilkins.

A memorial has been established in his honor.

Berryman Funeral Home in Cozad was in charge of arrangements.