William Bill E. Wilkinson

William E. (Bill) Wilkinson, 81, Boarded the Happy Day Express at Memorial Medical Center on Monday, August 8, 2011 at 7:40 A.M. and headed for his mansion home to be with God, his beloved daughter Melodie and other family members.

Bill was born on December 6, 1929 at Passavant Hospital in Jacksonville, Illinois. The son of Paul and Frances (Williams) Wilkinson. He attended Jacksonville schools and graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1948. Bill was best known for his work in the J.H.S. Music Dept. He played drums in the band and in the Jazz band. At age 16 he joined the musician's union and played with dance and marching bands in the area and also in the Peoria area. He attended Business College and later Bradley University.

Bill was a Veteran of the United States Air Force. He served in Japan during the occupation and Korean War.

Bill was employed by the State of Illinois from 1956 until 1991. He ended his career there as an Associate Deputy of Finance in charge of Budgets and Forecasting for the Department of Children and Family Services.

Bill married Kathryn Seymour on September 2, 1951, at the Methodist Church in Franklin. She survives. There were two children born to that union, Melodie Sherwood (deceased) and Paul (Lucinda) Wilkinson of Mankato, MN. There are three grand children, Paul Sherwood, Benjamin and Douglas Wilkinson, one great-grandson Brenden Sherwood. One sister Jean Perbix survives. There are a number of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and four great great nieces and nephews.

Springfield, First United Methodist church is his Church Home. He was an active member of the IBT Sunday school class and Methodist Men. He was a member of Springfield Fit Club West and the Saturday Night Dance Club. He was also a past member of the American Legion. In past years he worked on houses for Habitat for Humanity and Mission trips to Alaska, Russia and Cherokee, NC. His favorite hobbies were traveling, especially on trains, fishing, photography, dancing, cooking and gardening. He was a wonderful husband, father and grand father. One of his biggest joys in life was traveling with his grandchildren.

A memorial service will take place at the First United Methodist Church, 2924 S. Koke Mill Rd., Springfield, IL on Saturday, August 13, 2011 at 10:00 am. The family will meet with friends at 9:00 am until the time of service with Reverend Dr. Roger Ross and Reverend Dr. Bob Swickard officiating. Burial will take place at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church Building Fund, 2934 S. Koke Mill Rd. Springfield, IL, 62711, or a charity of one's choice.

Please visit the online obituary at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.