Obituaries
Stu Wilkins, 83, Helped Bring Pro Football Hall of Fame to Canton
He also played on two undefeated University of Michgan football teams in 1947 and 1948
Stu Wilkins, a retired lawyer, was a starting offensive guard on two undefeated University of Michigan football teams – in 1947 and 1948 — and later served on the panel that brought the Pro Football Hall of Fame to Canton.
The North Canton resident, who died Tuesday at age 83, began serving on the Hall of Fame’s board of trustees at its founding in 1960. He chaired the board from 1984-97.
F. Stuart Wilkins was born Feb. 25, 1928, in Canton.
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He graduated in 1945 from the former Canton Lincoln High School, where he was captain of the football team and class president his senior year. The Associated Press named Wilkins to its first team all-Ohio in 1944.
Wilkins continued playing football for the Michigan Wolverines football team during the 1945-48 seasons.
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He graduated in 1949, earned a law degree from the University of Michigan Law School in 1952 and served in the U.S. Army with the Judge Advocate General’s Corps before beginning his law career in Canton in 1954. Wilkins worked in corporate, finance and real estate law for more than 50 years.
From 1989-91, he chaired the board of the American Automobile Association.
The Ohio Jaycees named Wilkins one of the five outstanding young men in Ohio in 1964. The Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce gave him its Award of Merit in 2000.
Wilkins also received a Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Canton Lincoln High School Alumni Association and in 2008 was inducted into the Stark County High School Football Hall of Fame.
Survivors include his wife of 60 years, B.J., the former Betty Jean Bartlow; son, James S. “Jim;” two step-grandsons; and a step-great-granddaughter.
Friends may call from 10 a.m. until an 11 a.m. celebration of his life today at , 210 North Main St., North Canton.
Donations may be made to the church; to Aultman Hospice, 2821 Woodlawn Ave. N.W., Canton, OH 44708; or Pro Football Hall of Fame Museum, 2121 Harrison Ave. N. W., Canton 44708.
Arrangements are by Arnold Funeral Home, Canton.