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Born in Greenville, Missouri,
July 15, 1894, Walter L. Wilkinson served in World War I before coming
to Mesquite in 1922. In 1924 he married and together they had two daughters
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Mr. Wilkinson was the manager
of Quarrels Lumber Company, which was later to become Mitchell Goodwin
Lumber, located near the railroad tracks in downtown Mesquite. He helped
organize the Mesquite Savings and Loan and served as executive director
of that financial institution. He also served on the board of directors
of the First National Bank of Mesquite
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The First Baptist Church of Mesquite
was an important part of his life. With no compensation other than the
harmony of voices on Sunday mornings, he led the choir of the First Baptist
Church for 37 years. In the 1920's he added his voice to the Mesquite Men's
Quartet, a talent that is carried on by one of the former Wilkinson Middle
School principals, Steve Glenn. The first Mesquite band was organized under
his direction in the 1920's and often practiced in the office of the lumber
company. Wilkinson was also instrumental in organizing the first Mesquite
High School band.
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Wilkinson achieved the level of
Master Mason and was active in the Mesquite Chamber of Commerce. From 1925
to 1947, he served his community as a member of the City Council. From
1940 through 1951 he served the Mesquite Independent School District as
a member of the Board of Trustees. In 1937 he was president of the annual
Mesquite Fair, and in the 1940's he was a member of the Dallas Central
Highway Committee responsible for construction of several main streets
in Mesquite. During World War II, he is credited with organizing a successful
"junk metal drive" for the war effort.
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In 1961, Wilkinson Junior High
School was named in his honor as a credit to his loyalty and dedication
to Mesquite school children. The name was later changed to Walter L. Wilkinson
Middle School.
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At the dedication of the original
building, Wilkinson's grandchildren unveiled his portrait for display in
the school. After the school was renovated, the same grandchildren unveiled
the new portrait of Walter L. Wilkinson on March 2, 1997.
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