Slain soldier was active at Ohio parish, Catholic school graduate

Published: 2004-08-26

COLUMBUS, Ohio (CNS) -- Unassuming, hard-working, dedicated. That's how family, friends and fellow parishioners at St. Thomas More Newman Center in Columbus describe Army Lt. Charles L. Wilkins III, 38, killed in action in Iraq Aug. 20. Wilkins' mother, Natalie, a parishioner at Christ the King on Columbus' east side, said the world is a better place for having had her son in it. "He will be sorely missed, and not just by his family and friends," she said. "He touched so many people's lives. ... He was always there for everyone. All you had to do was ask, and he would be there giving a helping hand." Natalie Wilkins said her son was very devoted to his family; while he never married, he was devoted to his nieces and nephews, and frequently would spend time with them, including taking them to Mass. Father David O'Brien, director of the Newman Center until September, said Wilkins started coming to the center when he was a student at Ohio State University and continued attending there after he graduated. "He was a eucharistic minister and was also involved in other parish activities," the priest said. Father O'Brien was to celebrate a Mass of Christian burial for Wilkins Aug. 31 at the Newman Center.

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