Harold "Bud" Hess Wilkens passed from this life on October 1, 2024, in Guthrie, OK, surrounded by his loved ones. Bud was born to Sonny and June Hess in Wichita, KS, on July 3, 1940.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, June Wilkens; his adoptive parents, Fred and Ann Wilkens; his biological parents, Sonny and June Hess; and a sister, Linda Noteware.

Bud grew up on a farm and ranch outside of Pond Creek, OK. He graduated from Pond Creek High School. Bud was involved in sports and FFA throughout his school years. He also attended Oklahoma State University after graduation.

Bud met Patricia Conway in the eighth grade, and they became high school sweethearts. They married on December 27, 1958.

Bud and his wife, Pat, raised their four children on the farm and ranch. Bud was very active in his community, being a leader in his church, Pond Creek-Hunter All Sports Association, Oklahoma Hereford Association and the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association.

Bud and Pat moved from Pond Creek to Stillwater after selling their farm and then settled in Edmond for the past twelve years. Throughout his life, Bud was a farmer and rancher, cattle buyer, real estate and land appraiser, a 2010 census supervisor for Delaware County, and an insurance inspector. He also helped his wife run several small businesses.

Bud was known for being a hard worker, a big OU Sooner fan, and always helping his family whenever needed. Whether it was building a table, replacing floors or replacing a roof, Bud was very talented in so many areas. You could find Bud and Pat supporting their children and grandchildren at their sporting events and other activities in the state and surrounding states. He was very proud of his family and loved them dearly.

He is survived by Patricia, his wife of 65 years; three children, daughter Cindy (Breck) Long, Lavaca, AR, and sons Chris (Lisa) Wilkens, Grove, and Jason (Melissa) Wilkens, Edmond; twelve grandchildren, Carson (Diana) Long, Edmond, Charissa (Marcus) Morrison, Guthrie, Taylor Yearick, McKinney, TX, Katy (Issac) Villa, Guthrie, Garrett (Sydney) Wilkens, Edmond, Gavin, Ashlyn, and Grady, Edmond; seven great-grandchildren, Owen, Ledger, Shepard, and Palmer Long, Edmond, and Alexander and Nora Morrison, Guthrie, Esben Villa, Guthrie. He is survived by three sisters, Sue (Keith) Mahaffey, Enid, Patti (Tim) Joons, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Tami (David) Lee, Enid; three brothers, Don (Heidi) Hess, Chickasha, Ron (Billie) Hess, Yukon, and Dana Hess, California; as well as many nieces and nephews whom he loved.

Bud was a member of First Baptist Church of Pond Creek, OK.

Bud's Celebration of Life will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 8, at First Baptist Church of Pond Creek, with Pastor Charles Womack and Pastor Heath Buster officiating. Internment follows in Pond Creek Cemetery. Arrangements are by Wilson Funeral Home, Pond Creek, OK.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Pond Creek, OK.