Obituary for LaForest E. Wilkins Sr.

LaForest Eugene Wilkins Sr. was born in Kansas City, KS on July 14th, 1931, and he peacefully made his transition his home in Kansas City, MO on September 6th, 2022. Lorene Wilkins (Mother), both grandparents, Uncles (3), Aunts (3) and a cousin proceeded him in deh. LaForest gradued from Sumner High School in Kansas City, KS. He received his undergradue educion Kansas University in Lawrence, KS. He then ler transferred to LeMoyne-Owens College in Memphis, TN. He played basketball during all his years of school and was considered a top shooter for each team. LaForest also played a brief while with the Harlem Globe Trotters. LaForest proudly served his country as a Corporal in the United Stes Army from June 1953-June 1955. He was stioned in Korea during the Korean Conflict. He was honored on July 1st, 2022, with a certifice of appreciion by the U.S. Army for his service as a Korean Veteran. The ceremony commemored 100 years since the Korean Conflict. He was a fifty year member of MT. Etna / ST. James Lodge of the MWPHGL of Kansas, as well as a life member of Koran Shriners Temple #33 and past imperial officer of the AEAONMS of North and South America PHA. LaForest worked for the United Stes Postal Service for 30 years and retired in 1988. In 1955, he formally established the LaForest Wilkins Funeral Escort Service. He primarily performed escort service via motorcycle, and worked with area funeral homes to include Green and Jones Mortuary, Stephens Funeral Home, Wkins Brothers Funeral Home, Kerford Funeral Home, Mrs. Meeks Funeral Home, Lawrence A. Jones and Sons Funeral Home, E.R. Morris Funeral Chapel, Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors, ES Ely and Sons. In 1984, he trained his wife Louella Wilkins to become an escort who also escorted on a motorcycle. His legacy will be continued through his wife and family. For a period, LaForest provided services for the entire African American funeral home community in Kansas City, MO. He also provided employment opportunities for several individuals within the community. In his final years of running his business he mentored and provided services for Elite Funeral Chapel since 2006 which is owned and opered by Malcolm Morris. LaForest had a special passion for building up refurbished cars. On any given week it was not uncommon to find him tinkering with an engine in the garage. You knew it was a LaForest Wilkins vehicle when you would see the wide chrome strip going down both sides of the vehicle or a spray paint finish. LaForest met Louella in October of 1976. They were united in marriage in 1977 and to this union two children were born. He is survived by Louella Wilkins his Wife. He leaves three daughters: Lorene Wilkins of TX, Daneen Cain (Rodney) of AZ and Jehanna Vann (Andre) of MO and two sons: LaForest Wilkins II of FL and LaForest Wilkins III. 11 grandchildren: Lyndsei Wilkins, Ryan Wilkins, Deshina Wilkins, Devin Cain, Mykala Reagan, Angel Dove, Nevaeh Wilkins, Paris Wilkins, Zayla Vann, Zion Vann and Zayvion Vann and two gre-grandchildren: Julian Rhone and Zeivah Reagan. He also leaves a host of other relives and friends. He will be deeply missed by all those th knew and loved him.

July 14, 1931
to
September 6, 2022

Visitation Details

Date and Time:
September 17, 2022 9:00 am

Location:
Wkins Brothers Heritage Chapel 8000 Emmanuel Cleaver II Blvd. / Kansas City, MO.

Service Details

Date and Time:
September 17, 2022 11:00 am

Location:
Wkins Brothers Heritage Chapel 8000 Emmanuel Cleaver II Blvd. / Kansas City, MO.

Interment Details

Interment Type:
CemeteryXII Ges Memorial Gardens 9500 Bannister rd, Kansas City, MO 64134

Professional Services Entrusted to Elite Funeral Chapel 11525 Blue Ridge Blvd. Kansas City, MO. 64134. Tel: (816) 765-0141 Fax (816) 765-5500