Rufus H. "Bud" Wilkinson

Castleton- Rufus H. "Bud" Wilkinson, 89, of Brookview Rd. passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, July 25, 2024, in the presence of his family and his minister. Bud was born in Albany to the late Evelyn (Woodworth) and Albert Wilkinson, but was a lifelong resident of Castleton. He graduated from the Castleton Union School and served in the United States Coast Guard. Bud was married to Carol (Giller) Wilkinson for over 67 wonderful years. He worked as a truck driver for Railway Express, UPS, Getty Oil and as a sales associate at E.W. Tompkins. Bud was also a bus driver for the Schodack Central School District for many years. He was a longtime member of the Castleton Kiwanis Club, where he enjoyed being a cook for many community activities. Bud was also a founding member of the Jay Cees, an assistant little league coach, and an usher at St. Paul's United Methodist Church. He enjoyed bowling and playing darts. Bud also enjoyed playing Santa Claus for many years. He also enjoyed the decades he spent playing cards with his lifelong friends Kitty and Bert Murphy. He especially loved to travel, one of the trips he and Carol particularly enjoyed was their trip to Hawaii, which was gifted to them by their children for their 60th wedding anniversary. His favorite thing was to have all of his family, which included the entire Village of Castleton, at his home enjoying everything life had to offer. Bud had no greater joy in life than being in the presence of his family.

In addition to his parents, Bud was predeceased by his siblings, Robert Wilkinson, Lois Kittle, and Thirzah Rapplyea, and his grandson, Zachary Garcia.

In addition to his loving wife, Carol, he is survived by his children, Christopher (Feeha) Wilkinson, Scott (Anne) Wilkinson, Craig (Kathy) Wilkinson, Stacey Wilkinson, Clark (Becky Mitchell) Wilkinson, Shaun (Michelle) Wilkinson, and Curtis (Meghan) Wilkinson; his grandchildren, Brandon, Amanda, Sara, Erica, Erin, Lora, Krista, B. Ever, Taylor, Duncan, Emma, Jenna, Ethan, Benjamin, Charlotte, and Thomas; and his great-grandchildren, Vincent, Madison, Luca, Lillian, Asher, Jackson, Mason, Mackenzie, and Meir.

The family would like to especially thank the Community Hospice and his nurse, Paul, for their care and compassion to Bud and his family.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Bud's family on Thursday, August 1, from 4:00-7:00 p.m., at the Castleton Funeral Home, 59 Seaman Ave. Castleton, NY 12033. A funeral service for Bud will be offered on Friday, August 2, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 1583 Carney Rd. Castleton, NY 12033. Bud's cremains will be inurned in Horzion View Cemetery, Castleton, immediately following the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bud's memory to the Castleton Kiwanis Club, PO Box 42 Castleton, NY 12033 or to St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 1583 Carney Rd. Castleton, NY 12033.