Rufus Wilks

Services for Rufus Wilks, age 68, of Hobbs, New Mexico are scheduled for 2 pm, July 1, 2016 at the Chapel of Hope Funeral Home in Hobbs, New Mexico. Burial and graveside service to follow at 2 pm, July 2, 2016 at Zion Hill Cemetery in Weatherford, Texas. Rufus passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 26, 2016 after a long illness. Honoring his wishes, he was at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 29, 1948 in Wisner, LA to Henry Albert Wilks and Laura Belle Carpenter. He was part of a large and loving family being one of 10 children. Rufus Wilks and Sherry Bingham met in Seminole, Texas where they worked together and fell instantly in love. They were married on January 4, 1980. In their 36 years of marriage they raised their four children and welcomed eleven grandchildren. Rufus was very hardworking and greatly respected in his many positions in the oilfield during his more than 40 years of employment. His most recent position was with Globe Energy. When he was not working he enjoyed hunting and fishing trips with his brothers and friends, as well as family vacations to Louisiana. He could always be found at the “donut shop” telling stories with his friends who he considered family. He was a very generous man always willing to help those in need. He was blessed to have special friends who took care of his property and came to visit him at home, and also provided him with one last fishing trip his final year. His family appreciates them dearly. Rufus is survived by his wife Sherry Wilks, of the home; a son and daughter-in-law, Micheal and Erica Bingham of Midland, Texas; a daughter and son-in-law, Alita and Danny Mayfield of Dallas, Texas; a son Randall Wilks of Chicago, Illinois; a daughter and son-in law, Amy and BJ Murphy of Mesa, Arizona; and his eleven grandchildren Eric, Teylor, Jared, McKenzie, Kristen, Garrot, Daniel, Adrian, Stella, Kylie and Gavin. He is also survived by his two brothers, Julian Wilks and William Wilks; two sisters, Mary Stephens and Josie King, as well as many other family members. He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry Wilks and Laura Carpenter; and his brothers, Douglas Wilks, Jerry Wilks, Alvin Wilks, Henry Wilks, and Buddy Wilks. Visitation will be on June 30 from 8 am to 7 pm at Chapel of Hope Funeral Home. The family will be present from 5 to 7 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes you to make a donation to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org, and also encourages you to become an organ donor. There is no greater gift than the gift of life.