Oh John, our sweet buddy. From the moment we met we clicked.  It wasn’t long before we we were good friends.  Church services, any social event, meals and almost every activity at church he was there.  He was always involved somehow. When we were interim youth pastors we could always count on him to help us. He was faithful to whatever the  task and he brought a smile to everyone around.  He showed us the ropes on how they did stuff at FAOG. What a treasure! He even made work fun. One day we were talking about my schedule of running the camp, being a mom and always being faithful to church and he said I’m going to start calling you “Blondie Incorporated! “ This nickname stuck all through these 30+ years and when we would see each other he’d always say “here comes Blondie incorporated ! And with a smile on my face my reply was generally “here comes trouble.”  It’s hard to believe you’re gone but one thing is for sure you will never be forgotten precious friend! You brought joy and laughter everywhere you went and we are grateful God brought this wonderful man, our forever friend into our lives. We will never be the same🧡

John was awarded a medallion Friday night at the dinner for all the volunteers at First Assembly. He was always one of the first to be there to fill in as a greeter, collect money for the dinners on Wednesday nights, drive vans to give folks a ride when they needed one and just about anything that was needed.

Remember when I was about 8 years old and you took me on that ferris wheel at a carnival, the excitement of a child! Except I'm that child that is scared of heights and tried to crawl out the bottom of the bucket seat! You spent the whole ride holding on to me so I wouldn't fall out.  You never took me on another ferris wheel ride and we were both ok with it. Then you spent the rest of your life holding on to me to catch me when I would fall (not literally but in life) I miss you more than words can say. I love you~ Always daddy's baby girl❤Joy

Dear Nancy and Wilkerson family. It is with a sad heart that I write this memory of your husband, father/grandfather. John was such a dear sweet man. Our mothers were sisters. My family lived in Seguin while the Wilkerson’s lived in San Antonio. John was 4mos older than I was and we truly grew up together. There were holiday visits, reunions and summers. One of my favorite memories was to sit on their back porch with Aunt Winnie and listen to the chickens his Dad grew in a pen behind the garage while she told us stories about the past. Auntie would give us change so we could walk down the street to a small grocery store for pints of ice cream on hot summer evenings. We know where John is now and we all miss him so much. Someday we will be with him again. Memories will keep him near in our hearts. 
With much love and prayers for your comfort and peace. 

Kay Pullin Burgess, John’s cousin

John and Nancy both have always been there for ALL of us no matter if it was in prayer or in person that have both been a constant in the Burks family.  That is something we will never forget or take for granted. This photo was taken at Melissa’s 40th birthday celebration and both John and Nancy played a huge part of helping to raise her and Corey and teaching them about God and his faithfulness all along the way. Heaven is truly sounding sweeter all the time. 

Thank you for the memories. We miss you so much. Love you brother. 

John, you and Nancy had been very good friends with Jim and me. Thank you so much for your friendship. You became a brother to me and Jim. You left a void in our lives but all the memories will forever be in our hearts. See you later, brother. 

My condolences to the Wilkerson family. I have so many great memories of John and mainly because of his calling to run a Christian sport program which really kept me and my friends busy enough to stay out of trouble and also invite other to come to church that wanted to play. Every sport from softball, basketball, volleyball to maybe some I didn’t know about but his dedication was so awesome.
I have to apologize to the family because I know it took up a lot of their time with him but I truly believe that’s what God called him to do. Your memory goes far beyond me but also my kids and friends. Rest in peace my friend as I will always look up to you for listening to your calling❤️

My dad  always said that he did not want to go first, 8 feet down, in the ground because he did not want to hold my mom up for the rest of his life. Well dad you have to hold mom up for the rest of time.

He also said that he wanted his last ride down 410 and around town. Sorry dad you did not get that last ride but you did get a longer one than you thought.



A fond memory came to mind today as I was chatting with my grannie about some of my pawpaws old coast guard stories! He use to tell me all the time how he got to “see the world through a port hole” during his coast guard days! 

Thank you for teaching me so many valuable life lessons, thank you for loving me regardless of circumstances, and thank you for being you! I miss you everyday and love you forever. 💜 

John – son – brother – husband – dad – PawPaw – Great PawPaw – friend - hard worker 

Coast Guard memories that he related to anyone who would listen …
1)	He was on the Coast Guard Cutter Ingham (35) for almost 3 years. He rode through a typhoon in the middle of the Atlantic. When the eye of the storm passed over, the ship made a complete 360 circle … The captain thought he had been swept overboard BUT he and the other sailor with him were tied to the side of the ship. That rope saved his life!
2)	Again, in the middle of the Atlantic they met with a Norwegian freighter. They had a man on board who needed his appendix removed. The captain asked John if he would go bring him over to the Ingham … he said he would if he could use the captains gig and his crew … from the way he told it, it was a harrowing experience – the sea was rough and he had a small boat … they made it to the freighter, brought the man back to their ship then following the surgery, he had to take him back … the seas were still rough. God protected him on this trip.
3)	John had 1 sailor that like to go with him because – the captain asked him – “why do you like to go with John?’ he replied “ that other person is going to get me killed, but Mr John says ‘full speed ahead or back-er down’”


So sorry for the loss of my dear friend. Mr. Wilkerson who I called Mr. Wilke because untold him his name was too long so he remained Mr. Wilke to me. He never told me not to call him that. When he had a bad day at work he usually came in to my office and I told him I will take your job and you can have my two jobs. He looked at me and said no thank you. We had a good laugh. He was truly one of the nicest people I worked with. He loved telling me about his trips with his special gal who he so lovingly referred to his sweet wife. He.loved his sweet wife and family and he loved our Lord with a passion. I knew I liked him the first time he talked to me about God. So happy trails Mr. Wilke. Til we meet again❤💚💙✌🙏🙏🙏


My memory of John goes back to the early 70's when I accepted a position as assistant to Pastor Doy Robison @ First A/G in San Antonio. A boyish redhead, full of life and a bit of mischief, soon became an endearing acquaintance. John was always ready to take on one more task at church as well as offer suggestions, thus becoming a valuable ally. As my work expanded to a sectional basis with the youth John was always ready to assist.  He and Nancy embodied what every church and staff could count on for loyalty, faithfulness, and excellence. I will always remember him as a dear brother and close friend. "A good name is better to be chosen than great riches," yet He leaves a rich legacy behind to his loving family and friends.  -- Ken Purvis



He was never without a kind word or a joke whenever I got the pleasure of interacting with him. 

He was my bus driver for occasions for Johnson High School

I recently posted the following in a private Message to Nancy . . .

“Ohhh Nancy!! News of your John’s promotion to Glory brings so many memories flooding back . . .

“First impressions are lasting” as the saying goes, and your John was our very first and sole welcome upon our first arrival at the San Antonio Airport now more than decades ago!! You and your beloved John were anchor points of faithful reliance for Jan and myself during the entire decade-plus of our San Antonio sojourn!!

With eternal über-agapé!!!”
End of Quote  🙏🤗

Uncle John has been stringing up piñatas at family reunions for as long as I can remember - what a great childhood memory and a tradition to carry on! 

He likes to tease that my John was missing out when he wasn’t with me, but it was okay because I had Uncle John instead. 😂 

Uncle John was the best “Uber driver” I ever had. He kept my reserved parking spot available and was always ready to get me where I was going. Of course, there was always a fun joke or story along the way. 

I remember cousin John as a patient man with a variety of interests. I was just a girl when I met him. He would show me all the things he had done at that time, such as a room full of aquariums with different fish in them. I was a shy girl and he would specially make me feel important. Nancy, you always did the same. I know he is in Heaven and lovingly looking down on us at the side of Jesus. Thank you for the memories, John. You were loved. 

Nancy, John was always upbeat and super sweet to everyone.  Everyone loved him.I’ve known y’all many years and loved him and you always.Stay busy Nancy. It helps when you loose your loved one.  It’s never easy and doesn’t go away real fast.  I love you and you know God sees you and he loves  you.

I was the chaperone for Nancy and John going to A & W Root Beer. They got me a float to keep me quiet when I was 9.

If anyone ever represented the word "servant" it was John.  I remember watching him drive our church bus for many years.  He made sure all of our elderly people and others that could not drive came to church every week.  Many times, we would go out to eat after Sunday morning church and we would finish our meal at a restaurant and look through the restaurant window and see the church bus with John still driving people home when everyone else at church was finished with lunch.  And he did it joyfully!  He LOVED the people he picked up for church.  And they loved him!  

One very special person that John and Nancy took to church was my Daddy.  After Momma went Home, they picked him up every single Sunday and took him to church.  They also went out to eat most Sundays.  They usually had Chloe Mann with them and Daddy would call me when he got back home and tell me how wonderful church was and how much fun he had at lunch.  He always had stories about Chloe!  LOL  This meant the world to us being 200 miles away.  

John did so many other things at First Assembly.  I could go on and on here, but since I heard of his Homegoing, I kept picturing him in that big old blue bus (the blue goose) and remembering their kindness to my Daddy.  I have this image of all of the First Assembly gang greeting him when he got Home.  I'm sure Momma and Jane were pushing people aside to get to him first!  


John was always right there at functions to make me laugh and, I think, make sure I was comfortable.  It tickled me, it also gave the warm fuzzies of someone who cared deeply and love much everyone he met.  

Goodbyes are never easy and I am definitely not ready for this one. When I met Carey I did not know I would be gaining a set of grandparents, including one awesome Pawpaw. 
Our day to day is forever changed. I already miss your quick jokes, mostly slightly inappropriate to make Grannie say 'John' and roll her eyes 😄, I miss you encouraging Carey in his crazy projects (including building a nerf wall for Elijah), but I really just miss how you loved my kids. Pawpaw picked up Elijah from school everyday and always snuck Eliora a cookie and was ready to be a napping buddy. They already miss their Great-Pawpaw and he cannot be replaced. 
The holes in our hearts wouldn't be so big if we didn't love you so much. 
Thank you for giving Carey some of his best qualities and thank you for having the biggest heart ♥️.

John, thank you. For showing me what a Good Father means. Taking me under your wing. In sports, showing me leadership qualities. I loved playing softball. I wasn’t much good as basketball..but you stayed positive. Showing me service work at church. Teaching me what an Honest, Honorable man with Integrity is and means. Teaching me how to build a trailer from scratch. Teaching me How to suit up and show up....on time. We built some good fences. These things you showed me over the years were seeds planted. I was always paying attention even though I couldn’t follow that path. God knows he had some work to do with me !! The seeds planted are now taking root. I hope someday to be at least half the man you were while you were here. I’ll see you again my friend and we’ll be in the presence of Jesus together. I Love You

John was the greatest handyman I ever had. Any time I needed something fixed or couldn’t figure it out, he was there. Even when he was older,  he was willing to help. I will miss him greatly and his smile. Pat

I have numerous memories of John over the years since I have known him for as long as I remember.  I grew up with his kids at Church and as an adult I worked with him at Southwest Neon Signs.  John, with coffee in hand, loved to talk about his family and how proud he was of them.  when home computers were new and ran off of the phone line, he came to my home and added a phone line to the room that I was putting my computer in.  What a kind thing to do, I was very grateful.  John will be missed.  

All these memories flood my mind as I try to pick one to describe our time together. 
I remember helping you put the flags on the pole we put in. You got up on the ladder because you wanted it done right and I was right there to make sure nothing happened or else we would both get an ear full. 
I'll miss how you would crack jokes in the background of Grannie's phone calls or ask if I was ready for Friday night dominos. You have always been my hero and I hope I can continue to make you proud. Even if you have to say "Gah-lee Codey" a few times. Love you PawPaw

- "Code" Mann

It's hard to pick a specific memory. All that runs through my head when I think about my PawPaw is a work ethic I can't even hope to hold a candle to and the knowledge to perform any task set before him. I have spent and will continue to spend my life striving to be even half the Father/Husband/Grandparent he was. I love you PawPaw and I am sorry I didn't say it out loud more.

I've been blessed with my bonus family.   Pawpaw was truly an incredible person to his core.  
Some of my favorite memories we've shared are when he and Grannie visited Casey and I in Hawaii.  It was days filled with laughter and fun. I have always loved hearing about his time in the Coast Guard, and when we visited the Pearl Harbor memorial, he was truly beaming that day.  He pointed out and spoke on every little thing on the docked boats and in the museum and telling me everything I needed to know about vessels and sharing memories of his time in.  
I will miss his stories, his humor, and most of all, his love.   Pawpaw will forever be dear to Casey and I.   I hope to continue passing along his stories,  wisdom, and love to  future littles as we tell them all about their Great Pawpaw.  Love you more. 

I can’t put into words how much Pawpaw meant to our family. The unconditional love, the jokes, the “hug and a shake”, the rare stern voice when one of us kids got into trouble.  

As a little girl Pawpaw would take me to McDonalds and I would order my pancakes an order his coffee and be sure to tell them to make it black. As a teenager he was there to support me and guide me through being in a new place. As an adult his favorite was to reminisce about when I was a kid. Now as a mom he loves our kid as a grandchild and not as great. He loved his little buddy and they were able to make some fun memories. Spencer’s favorite memories was a trip to downtown and building together. I am forever grateful our son had the ability to get to know and build a relationship with pawpaw.

He was there when you needed him no questions asked. I love you pawpaw, it’s not goodbye but see you later!!!!

Love Amber, Michael and Spencer

My favorite memories are when PawPaw would take us to the duck pond to feed the ducklings. He would hug me when I was sad, and we would take naps together in his recliner. 

My favorite memory is when I would give Great Pawpaw hugs, and he would tell Grannie, "I'm awesome because Joshua always gives me hugs first!" I miss his bear hugs and how he would always listen to my jokes.

Nancy and family, I am so sorry about Brother John but Praise God that he is not in pain anymore...he was such a Great man and an Oh-So-Special Best Friend, confidant, and of course Missions Baseball game and Johnson and Madison High School football game partner.  He was always a true, true friend, particularly a few years back during some difficult times and I will never, ever forget that. I will also cherish the ride-a-longs I did while he was driving the  church van to pick up and drop off folks that needed a ride to and from church. This is when I really got to know him. 

Something that is really amazing is the effect he had on so many people. Due to his huge Servant's heart, he was able to do so many things for so many people for so long, the impacts will be felt for generations to  come.

I loved and admired so many things in John... but nothing as much as the way he loved Jesus, You, his Girls, Grandkids, and Great Grandkids!

Thank you for sharing him with us!

So many years and so many memories with my sweet Daddy and I still wish I had more. My daddy has always been there for me, when I've made good and bad decisions he was there to give hugs and advise. He always told me how proud he was of me. He loved my babies and set an example of a loving Pawpaw and Godly man. I loved that my daddy had a fun sense of humor and never met a stranger.  I loved watching him talk to people,  he loved to talk. Some memories I have with my Dad included trips to the rodeo, circus,  parade, car races, ballgames, and church, if he could take the family we were there. I miss you Daddy  but I am so glad for all the time we had. Your Baby Girl ~ Joy

I loved and will always remember the mornings when I was little drinking coffee with pawpaw then going to the bird house to feed the birds. I used to think he had to have had a million birds in that little house. 

As a kid growing up in the church I have had many people invest in my life and spiritual growth. They helped me understand God’s plan for my life at a young age. When I became a Pastor at my home church I had many of these same people come along side me in ministry. They served selflessly so that my students could know God’s plan for their life.
John and Nancy Wilkerson were two of those people that had a big impact on my life and ministry.
This past weekend I got to pay a visit to these wonderful people. Today John is in the presence of Jesus. 
John thank you for all the years of setting up and tearing down chairs. Thank you for picking up the elderly and bringing them to church. You will be missed.

#unsungheroes

It's hard to share a single memory about John. He left so many great memories with us at fiesta, softball, baseball, car races, football, church, family events, and trips. Looking back he was always teaching me something and helping me to be a better person. He's the best male role model I've ever known and I miss him everyday. I guess the thing I will miss the most are his phone calls. He called atleast 3 times a week to update me on things or ask me a question. Without fail he would call to warn me about travel weather because of my job and he usually ended his calls to me with "Okay, I'll let you went". 

Your favorite son-in-law,
Roland

I will never forget all the wonderful things I was taught over the years and now i’ll cherish them even closer because they hold a little more meaning behind them. 

“From helping out with projects to seeing you for the very last time is a hard thought to wrap my head around. 

However, the only thing that keeps coming to mind is the scene from cars when Tow Matter says “ I knew it! I know’d I made a good choice!” and Lightning Mcqueen said “in what?” with a response back of “my best friend.”

Make sure to save me a seat at your table. I can’t wait for the day I get to hear your funny jokes and how i’m still “pawpaws babygirl”

I’ll always remember you as you were. 
-your little coastie

P.S. Thank you for shaping me into the young woman I am today. I don’t know how i’ll ever repay you.”

My Daddy was a man who could be firm when he needed to be and soft at other times. I was the son he didn't have and wouldn't trade that for anything. I loved him teaching me to switch hit, playing sports, and him cheering me on. I also went on some of his truck driving trips, and he always made sure we stopped at a DQ for vanilla malts! 
My dad was a hard worker, and I admired him for all that he did. Today, I know my work ethics are because of all he bestowed in me... a fine example!
He had kind words and wished he could hold my hand when I needed him most. In those moments, it's all I needed to hear and know. I know my Daddy loved me, and I'm so thankful for all his love and support throughout the years. I love you, Daddy.

I will forever remember his “hug and a shake!”  I also remember sitting in the kitchen with him many times and he was drinking a cup of coffee and he always said coffee is what puts hair on your chest! Also, he would always come up to me and he was already chuckling, and he would start telling a funny story. I will forever remember the love he had to give, his endless jokes, and his fun and loving heart!
-Aubrey Joy 

Some of my favorite memories were on Friday nights; when we would play dominos and eat pizza. It was always an evening filled with laughter and of course would end with PawPaw winning. 
Pawpaw was a father figure to us and taught us many life lessons, including how to work smarter not harder. I will miss how we would all know it was your nap time because you would say "I hear that Laz-E-Boy calling this Lazy boy!" 

I love you so much, PawPaw!

Great Pawpaw was awesome. We had good times when together. I love him and miss him.

Love, Preston

My Pawpaw was the best! He taught me at a young age the beans song! I remember if I was cuddling up with him or sitting in his lap, he had stories and jokes to tell me. He could make me laugh and, in those moments, he made me feel special. I remember going to the softball games with him. Many good times, and we always had a hug and a shake! I love him so much and will treasure all my memories forever. 

Love, 
Alyssa 

I will always remember the times we'd sit there and he always had a story or a joke to tell. I always enjoyed sitting there for a few hours chatting it up. Rest in peace Paw Paw.

Hi Nancy. This is somewhat of a memory. 

I lived in San Antonio during my college years and had a lot of fond memories with John. 

My grandpas are and were great grandparents who I love and miss dearly. But, I did not get to spend a lot of time with them as I got older and they weren’t the kind of grandparents to show a lot of love. 

John always made sure to greet me with a smile, a hug and a hand shake. When I was alone at the house while the parents were out of town you and John invited me out to lunch with you both. We went to longhorn cafe and had a great meal. John always made me feel welcome and like I was one of his grandchildren from the very beginning. I will always appreciate the love he showed for not only me but my siblings and nieces and nephews. John was truly a special man and I hope I can be even somewhat as kind in my life as he was.

Thank you both for always sending me birthday cards, Easter cards, and any sort of special holiday cards. It means a lot more to me than you both know. 

I love y’all and if you ever need something I’m always here. 

Love,
Hayden 

I am John's sister-in-law, Linda Rankin.  I remember when I use to visit John and Nancy that John never left the house, even if it was just to run an errand, without giving Nancy a kiss.   I was very impressed with that small show of affection.  He was a truck driver for awhile.  We lived in Dallas and one time he came by.  I fixed him a grilled cheese sandwich for supper.  He never let me forget.  He would tell people I should come to Dallas, and Linda will fix you a grilled cheese sandwich. : )  What a special person he was!

Uncle John was a wonderful man who we loved so much. We will miss his smile and always joyful personality. Sending our love to Aunt Nancy and all the family.

There are so many memories of John - from being the leader of the C.A.'s to building the floats for the Battle of Flowers parades to just always having a smile of greeting and laughter whenever you saw him.
He will be missed but his lifelong service to others will live on.

Paw Paw and I once took a drive to the grocery. After parking, he handed me a one dollar coin and said “Here! Put that in your wallet! Don’t ever take it out. That way you will never be broke!” And we went in and did our shopping. Best manly advice from Paw Paw. 

Some of my favorite memories of my daddy- 
On Saturday night's my daddy would take me to the "Roundy Round Races"- and we would cheer for your favorite drive #1 Buddy Jerkins. 

On Sunday's I would ride with him while he picked up the elderly folks for church; we would go to service, lunch, and then take them back home- we called them the "Little Old Ladies" and they really liked Dad. 

On Sunday's in the summer he would drive us to "Youth Camp/Kids Camp"- and then at the end of the week I would be excited to see him again when he showed up to pick us up. 

Love you, Dad! 
Rhonda 

My favorite memory is when pawpaw help me make a Valentine’s Day gift for my mom.  He was very sweet and loving. I’m going to miss you. 

I will forever cherish every memory I was lucky enough to make with my Pawpaw- I will always reflect on his witty humor, jokes, and stories (and Oh Boy) did he have stories. To know him was to love him. 

One year for Christmas I got us tickets to attend a game while I was in San Antonio, we had so much fun watching the game and eating snacks. My enjoyment of basketball and love for the Spurs came from him. Each time they would win a Championship he would make sure to buy me a shirt and send it to CO so I could have a special memory of the season. 

Pawpaw- I will love you forever, and hope that I make you proud everyday. Rest Easy! 

Grannie- I will always admire the relationship that you had and the love that you shared. I will strive everyday to love like Pawpaw. I hope that I can carry your strength with me. Always remember I am just a phone call away- I will love you forever and am sending you prayers for healing. 

I love you,
Elizabeth 

John would always say to me, "Here comes trouble".  He had a smile on his face, laughter in his soul and a giving heart.  I will miss hearing those words from him.  He is completely healed and comforting those in need from heaven.   

Wouldn’t we all want a pawpaw like John.
I so glad I got to see ya last May. I will always remember what John said to me, typical of his humor. 

With deepest sympathy for your loss. 
John was a special friend and coworker. He was a delight to work with. I will cherish the memories of our bus rides together, the pizza parties he held, and our breakfast times together. He was full of life’s beautiful stories to tell each time I saw him. A kind and generous friend. Rest in peace my friend. Monica.

Praying for Nancy and the family. So many great memories. John ran the softball and volleyball leagues for years. We would banter back and forth and his humor made it fun. What a servant he was and he made an impact on me and my life. Always striving to be a better man. Enjoy Heaven 

OBITUARY

John Henry Wilkerson

September 6, 1939 – January 30, 2023

Sunset Memorial Park & Funeral Home

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