Robert William Wilkerson

Robert "Bob" William Wilkerson, 94, of Springfield, died at 5:10 a.m. on Saturday, April 15, 2017 at The Mosaic of Springfield. Robert was born on February 25, 1923 in Lowder, IL the son of Roy and Edith (Weiland) Wilkerson. He married Elizabeth J. Love on June 30, 1948 at St. Agnes in Springfield; she preceded him in death on January 2, 2001. Bob was also preceded in death by his parents; son, Michael Wilkerson; his sisters, Margaret, Catherine (May) and June (Nichols); and brother,Tommy. He is survived by his daughter, Karen Marley of Champaign; sons, Gerard Wilkerson and Brian Wilkerson, both of Springfield; granddaughters, Jennifer Bradley of Champaign and Amanda (Adam) Berkley of Chatham; grandson, Dane Wilkerson; three great-grandchildren, Andrew (Taclesia Bolar) Hughes of Marietta GA, Caleb and Casey Berkley of Chatham; and siblings, Roy Wilkerson of Springfield and Mildred Viera of Rochester. Bob played varsity football at Feitshans High School and graduated in 1942. During World War II he served in the Army Air Forces as an aircraft armorer. Upon his discharge he was employed at Weaver Manufacturing Company in Springfield as a tool and die maker for nearly 25 years, followed by employment at St. Johns Hospital as a general mechanic in the maintenance division. He enjoyed bowling as a young man and continued this long into his 80s, participating in league play at King Pin and Strike n Spare. He was also an avid dancer, who enjoyed the two-step, square dancing and contra dancing. For many years, he rebuilt old motorcycles bringing them to full restoration and rode them throughout the countryside. Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies. Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 8, 2017 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th Street, Springfield. Graveside Ceremony: 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 8, 2017 at Camp Butler National Cemetery, 5063 Camp Butler Rd., Springfield, with Celebrant Judy Woerner, officiant. Military honors will be provided. Memorial contributions may be made to: American Diabetes Association, 2501 Chatham Road #210, Springfield, IL 62704.