Morice "Red" Wilkins, 85, of Sterling, passed away May 21, 2012, in Sterling. Memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 25, at Faith United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Eunjoo Yi and Frank Waitley officiating. Inurnment will be at Riverside Cemetery.

Red was born July 22, 1926, in White, Neb., to James Henry and Marie Opal (Wachholtz) Wilkins. He graduated from high school.

On July 10, 1948, he married Phyllis L. Rowley in North Platte, Neb.

He moved to Sterling from North Platte 52 years ago. He was a mainline foreman for Kansas-Nebraska Natural Gas Company for 34 years.

He was a member of Faith United Methodist Church, BPO Elks Lodge No. 1336, Riverview Golf Course and the Fleming Saddle Club. He enjoyed playing golf and riding horses, wood and metal craft and telling stories and jokes.

Red is survived by his wife, Phyllis L. Wilkins of Sterling; son, Dan Wilkins of Sun City, Ariz.; daughters, Debbie Gower and husband Frank of Sterling, Denise Knight and husband Doug of Sterling; grandchildren, Jason Murphy, Aaron Wilkins, Brooke Knight, Shalyn Knight and Taylor Gower; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Marie Wilkins; and brother, Don Wilkins.

Memorials may be made to Faith United Methodist, Hospice of the Plains or Relay For Life.

Chaney-Reager Funeral Home in Sterling handled the arrangements.