Elbert Wilkerson

was called home by his Lord on March 5, 2010. Jim was born on November 1, 1926 in Hugo, Oklahoma to Albert Wilkerson and Ollie Crum Wilkerson. Jim was preceded in death by his late wife of 51 years, Aleatha June Wilkerson a victim of the May 3, 1999 tornado.

He is survived by his gracious wife Patti Word; daughter Linda Wilkerson; son Jimmy Wilkerson; granddaughter Kristi Wilkerson; grandson Seth Wilkerson; and special "adopted" grandson Humberto Martinez. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Jim was the owner of Wilkerson Construction Co. Inc. and lived a full and active life until the end. He was the last survivor of seven children raised by a widowed sharecropper mother during the Great Depression. He attended "Apple University" in Choctaw County, all the while working the farm.

One of the Greatest Generation, he enlisted in the United States Army in 1944 and was sent to fight in the South Pacific. During the occupation of Japan, Jim was one of the last horse-mounted troopers in the 1st cavalry Division- 7th Regiment, Troop "B"; where he was a member of the elite "Gary Owens" Troop, famous for Lt. Col. Custer. He was discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Throughout Jim's difficult life, he always said, "I've had worse on my lip and never quit whistlin'."

He is dearly loved and will be missed by ALL! Services will be held at 2:00pm on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at Bill Eisenhour Southeast Chapel, followed by graveside services at Sunny Lane Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Salvation Army.

Arrangements under the direction of Bill Eisenhour Funeral Home, Del City, OK.