John J Wilkerson, born June 30, 1918 passed away peacefully on June 8, 2021 at the age of 102. He loved his life as a farmer, worked as the head of maintenance and security at Saint Joseph’s College and was the caretaker at Fountain Park Chautauqua until he was 99. John entered the Army February 1942, took a test which placed him in the early formation of the Air Force serving in the 321st Bomb Group, 448th Squadron. He flew 50 missions as a turret gunner and 19 missions as a tail gunner in a B25 Mitchell bomber. He was in campaigns in North Africa, Italy and Southern Europe until the war ended.
John was born to Howard and Francis (Stout) Wilkerson and was proceeded in death by his parents and five siblings and their spouses: Bertha (Henry) Bowling, Lester (Peggy) Wilkerson, Lawrence (Georgia) Wilkerson, George Wilkerson and Pearl Wilkerson. Also preceding him in death are his wife of 61 years Adena (Booker), son David Wilkerson and son-in-law Jack Sensenbrenner. There will be many joyous reunions now that he is home in Paradise. John is survived by his daughter Jane (Ed) Collins, daughter-in-law Susan Wilkerson (Don Clark) and six grandchildren: Brian (Ginee) Ames, John Wilkerson, Cindy (Robbie, deceased) Brower, Adam Winters, Kristen Wilkerson and Natalie (Kurt) Legel. He loved his seven great grandchildren, Patrick, Claire and Thomas Ames, Gavin, Levi and Savanah Wilkerson and Jackson Legel and many nieces and nephews. In the past few years, John was blessed to have many new Collins family members.
John was a proud American, loved being a Dad, enjoyed having coffee with his many friends, an avid reader, enjoyed music, tending a garden, collecting antiques, loving many good dogs and never passed a garage sale. Many have enjoyed listening to his shared stories. As a lifelong Christian, he had read the Bible from cover to cover many times and had started through again. He treasured many friendships and was a “granddad” to many.
Visitation will be held at the Stitz-Clapper Funeral Home in Remington on Friday, June 11th from 2-8 p.m. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 12th at 11 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Remington with internment at the Remington cemetery to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice in John’s name.
Share memories and condolences online at www.clapperfuneralservices.com.
