Wilkin E. Thomas, Jr.

Wilkin Evans Thomas, Jr., age 85, of Wilmington, DE passed away on August 2, 2021. Wilk was born in Englewood, NJ to Wilkin and Margaret Thomas. He graduated from Dwight-Englewood School in Englewood, NJ. Following high school, Wilk graduated Cum Laude from Williams College with a degree in physics and was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa fraternity. He later attended Yale University for graduate studies in physics.

Wilk joined the US Bureau of Standards in Gaithersburg, MD and then joined the scientific staff of E.I. DuPont De Nemours and Company Experimental Station in Wilmington, DE. He earned his JD from University of Maryland School of Law in Baltimore, MD and joined DuPont’s Legal Department, later heading up their Asia Pacific Law Division in Tokyo, Japan just prior to retiring.

Wilk was predeceased by his beloved wife of 50 years, Lavinia Burwell Hillsman, III of Teaneck, NJ. Some of his greatest joys were the years they lived in Tokyo, Japan and when they traveled extensively throughout the world. He was a member of the Wilmington Country Club where he enjoyed playing golf. He was an avid reader, lover of the NY Times crossword puzzles and an ardent follower of financial markets. Most of all, his family meant the world to him.

Wilk is survived by his three children, their spouses and seven grandchildren: Doug Thomas and Chris Conn, PhD (Cameron and Connor) from Ellicott City, MD; Rob and Ann Marie Thomas (Forrest, Ashley Ann, and Chandler) from Hockessin, DE; and Meg and Alan Quaintance (Morgan and Tyler) from Hockessin, DE. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Sally Turnbull Hillsman, PhD from Washington, D.C.

A visitation will be held on Monday, August 16, 2021 from 10-11:00 am at Pike Creek Bible Church, 199 Polly Drummond Hill Rd., Newark, DE 19711. A memorial service will be held on Monday, August 16, 2021 at 11:00 am at Pike Creek Bible Church and friends are invited to remain after to the service to share memories of Wilk. Interment will be private in the Turnbull family plot in Cambridge, NY.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to STEMH: 602 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, DE 19809.

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Geoffrey Gamble writes,

Wilker, You were one of the best. Brilliant unassuming and a thoroughly decent human being. You were one of the nicest guys that ever lived and a great lawyer all the way from Japan to here in Wilmington. You and Burwell, who helped bring our first child into the world, will be sorely missed. Knock-a-doc Geoff and Dorcas

08/07/2021 10:13 pm

Cathy Kusmin writes,

Doug, Rob, Meg and families. I am so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Your mom and dad were great friends to my parents, Dick and Janet Baird. Mom was also sorry to hear the news. Thinking of you all. Cathy Kusmin

08/08/2021 11:55 am

Thomas J McCarthy writes,

Wilkin was my best friend for over 50 years. We supported each other at DuPont. He helped me outside work in a hundred ways. I shall never forget him and always miss him. Thomas McCarthy

08/08/2021 02:15 pm

Jim Forstner writes,

Wilk was an exceptional person and attorney. He was a pal for 55 years, ever since the day in 1966 when we met in a law school carpool. He was supportive of me and many others, and his influence will be felt for a long time. He will be missed.. Well done, Wilk.

08/10/2021 11:28 am

Van Leichliter writes,

Wilk was a joy to work with. His unassuming charm and intellect came through no matter what the subject was. He was a wonderful mentor and friend for many years. I remember the great parties and dinners Wilk and Burwell hosted. He will be remembered by many people as one of the best persons, lawyers and friends they knew.

08/10/2021 04:41 pm

Amanda Roth writes,

So thankful that I had the opportunity to meet Wilk while at The Summit. He was so friendly, clearly brilliant, and could always make me smile with his wonderfully dry sense of humor. Condolences.

08/12/2021 05:40 pm

Joan Smits writes,

Deepest sympathy to Doug, Rob, Meg & families. Wilk was an exceptionally gifted gentleman! His intellect, outstanding knowledge on many topics, mentor to new attorneys, clients (within the DuPont Co.) recognized, respected & admired Wilk for his tireless & successful work on behalf of their businesses,,,and, there’s much more. Colleagues & Friends were recipients of “anything he could & would do for you”. FRIENDSHIPS knew no bounds! We are left w/memories to recall & cherish—WILK WILL BE DEARLY MISSED!

08/14/2021 11:41 pm

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