Dennis Wilks(Tulia)

Tulia, Texas—Dennis Wilks, 76, died Tuesday, March 29, 2011 in Amarillo. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, March 31, 2011 in the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Kay Reed and Rev. Ernie McGaughey officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery under the care of Kornerstone Funeral Directors of Tulia. Dennis was born March 30, 1934 in Kaufman, Texas to Johnnie and Marguerite Wilks. He graduated Floydada High School in 1952. He graduated from Texas Technological College in Lubbock with a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Agriculture degree from West Texas State University in Canyon. He married Kathryn Sullins in 1956 and born to this union were Kathryn Lee, Jeff and John David. Kathryn preceded him in death in 1983. In 1984 Dennis married his best friend, Judine Young Montandon and her children James, Katie and Todd. Dennis taught Vocational Agriculture for 32 years, 9 in Wheeler, Texas and 23 years in Tulia. He was associated with the Swisher County Stock Show for 44 years, an FFA advisor, Adult Leader and Stock Show Announcer. He was a member of First United Methodist Church serving in many positions including Administration Board Chairman, Sunday school teacher, Methodist Men, Dressing Cook for the United Methodist Women Annual Turkey Dinner. He was also involved with the Swisher Memorial Hospital Board as President, President of the Swisher County Museum Board, Swisher County Activities Association President, Outstanding Tulia Man in 1991, Vocational FFA Honorary State Farmer, a member of the Tulia Kiwanis Club. He and Judine received the “Friends” of 4-H Award in 2007. Survivors include his wife: Judine Wilks of the home, children: Jeff Wilks and wife Pam of Tulia, John David Wilks and wife Dena of Lampasas, and Kathryn Britin and husband Mark of Amarillo, James Avent of Electra, Katie Wolf and husband Steve of Byers, Todd Montandon and wife Melissa of Canyon, grandchildren: Sara Parker of Amarillo, Slade Wilks and wife China of Childress, Jay Keith Wilks of Tulia, Nick Porter of Amarillo, Stefanie Wolf of Byers and Annie Wolf of Lubbock, Lilly Montandon of Canyon and Sam Montandon of Canyon, great grandchildren: Destanie and Dallas, Neeley and Cason, Gavin and Zack, one sister: Mary Day of Irving. He is preceded in death by his parents, one sister: Bobbye Norris, his first wife: Kathryn Wilks and a grandson: John David Wilks, II. Memorials may be made to the Texas Tech Foundation, Ag. Ed. Dept., In Memory of Dennis Wilks, PO Box 42123, Lubbock, Texas 79409 or to the First United Methodist Church, 119 N. Briscoe, Tulia, Texas 79088.