William Alexander Wilkinson, Sr., 82, of Bath, died Thursday, January 25, 2018.
Born October 2, 1935 in Norfolk, VA, he was a son of the late William Jennings and Hazel (McCormick) Wilkinson. He and his wife, Carol (Kesel) Wilkinson, were married 61 years.
He began his career with CK Williams, Adams, MA which was later purchased by Pfizer, Inc. He worked as plant manager in both Easton and E. St. Louis, IL. He was promoted to Vice President of Pigments working out of New York City. When his division was sold to Harcross Pigments, he became President and relocated his corporate headquarters to Fairview Heights, IL. He retired in 1994 after 33 years. He was a member of the Lions Club in Adams, MA and a volunteer for the United Way. He received a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and served in the Army during the Korean War.
Surviving with his wife, Carol, are his children, W. A. “Lex” Wilkinson, Jr, and his wife, Patricia, of Bath; Elizabeth Miller-Tinner and her husband, Rodney, of Kansas City, MO; Andrew P. Wilkinson of Bloomfield Hills, MI; Martha Blackburn and her husband, William, of O’Fallon, IL and Ann Martin of Kansas City, MO; 18 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren who called him D’daddy; 3 nieces; 3 nephews and many fishing buddies and dear friends.
A visitation will be held from 5 to 7:00 pm on Monday, January 29, 2018 in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton. A second visitation will be held from 4 to 7:00 pm on Thursday, February 1, 2018 in the Kurrus Funeral Home, 1773 Frank Scott Parkway West, Belleville, IL with services at 7:00 pm on Thursday in the Kurrus Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association, www.heart.org or to your local animal shelter. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.
Dick and Jeanne Uhler
January 27, 2018 at 1:58 pm
So sorry for the loss of your father Lex. Our hearts go out to you and Patty, your mom and family. He is in a good place and will always be with you in your hearts. Love, Jeanne & Dick.
Amanda Champagne
January 27, 2018 at 2:18 pm
My love and heart are with my Wilkinson family. May all your wonderful memories fill you with peace and love during this time of sadness. ❤️
Tom & Bev McLaughlin
January 27, 2018 at 7:39 pm
You know our hearts and prayers are with you all. The love of family and friends will carry you through this difficult time.
God Bless your family. Our love
The Cliffords
January 28, 2018 at 11:12 am
Andrew and the entire Wilkinson Family, We are so sorry for your loss. Our hearts and prayers are with you all, Love Mark, Katie, Caitlin and Sean Clifford.
Paul Augustyniak
January 28, 2018 at 7:56 pm
Jen and family,
I am very sorry for the loss of your Dad. Please know that you all are in my heart and my prayers and that your Dad lives on through each one of you. Love, Augie
Jan and Orv Lefko
January 29, 2018 at 12:05 am
Dear Andy and family,
We just heard about the passing of your father. Our sincere condolence to you, your mom, your siblings and the “kids”. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find comfort in your memories.
Love, Jan and Orv
Ken Kramer
January 29, 2018 at 8:31 am
May the soul of the faithful departed rest in peace. I will always remember the challenges and opportunities that the “Agitator” gave to “the Pope”.
Blessings and Comfort are in our prayers for the Wilkinsons.
Ken Kramer
Maria… Hope Church
January 29, 2018 at 9:28 am
Dear Carol, Martha and entire Wilkinson family,
Words are never adequate in times like these.
My heart goes out to all of you…
I shall be forever greatful to GOD Almighty for allowing our paths to cross.
Willard and I shared wonderful memories when we had the privilege of knowing Bill and some members of your family.
I remember this one thing in particular…
I asked Bill to play a part in a play at church… he did not hesitate to saying, “YES” and he played his part magnificently!!!
I will share a photo with you Carol….
When you see it will shine a new light on how magnificent he really was in that play.
Since I can not be there with you, please know, I will be there in spirit.
Rest assured, our Heavenly Father will strengthen
and He will guide you, as you journey through this dark time.
With my 💔love and prayers,
Maria
Jim Wolff
January 30, 2018 at 1:38 pm
Carol and Family,
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. I thought the world of Bill and I imagined that perhaps some day I would take a ride to PA and say hello. I regret I waited too long.
May you find peace and comfort in your faith in God.
Jim Wolff
Ann-Lee Davis
January 31, 2018 at 5:53 pm
Aunt Bo, Lex, Jennie, Andrew, Martha, Annie and families,
I am so very thankful that we had the opportunity to share our memories with all of the “cousins” in Easton, PA this week. May God bless you all as you travel to and from Illinois for the second gathering of family and friends. Billy was a well loved and respected man. He is peacefully in God’s arms now. AND we will meet again, Uncle Billy.
Love,
Ann-Lee
Stephen McClary
February 1, 2018 at 11:28 am
Dear Wilkinson Family,
Some of my favorite memories growing up in Belleville were with your family and your dad. The time has passed so quickly. He was a wonderful guy with a temperament perfectly mixed with love and discipline. It is no wonder why he and your mom raised such a great group of kids who are now terrific adults and parents…and some even grand parents. My sympathies for your loss and congrats on how lucky you were to have him as the patriarch of your family.
Stephen McClary