Earl R. Wilkinson, 91, of Mount Carmel, IL passed away on Thursday, February 15, 2018 at Wabash General Hospital.  He was born April 18, 1926 in Wabash County, IL the son of Clyde and Almorine (Williams) Wilkinson.  Earl was married to Jean (Stewart) Wilkinson and she preceded him in death in 2008.

Earl was a proud WWII Veteran having served in the United States Army from 1944 to 1946.  Among his awards were European Campaign, Army Occupation, World War II, Combat Infantry Badge and Good Conduct Medal.  He was also awarded two Bronze Stars for exemplary conduct in ground combat against the armed enemy during the Rhineland Campaign, in the European Theater of Operations.  Earl also served in the Army National Guard, Co. C,130th Infantry Regiment from February 15, 1949 to July 1, 1950 as a Corporal.

Earl worked in factory maintenance having been employed at Flintkote and Champion Laboratories.  After his retirement, Earl enjoyed woodworking and spending time in his work shop making gifts for his family and friends.  He crafted many items including clocks and birdhouses as he loved to feed the birds.  Earl’s family was important to him and he loved spending time with them.    He was a member of the Lancaster Church of Christ and the American Legion.  Earl will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Earl will be remembered by his sons; Charles “Bob” (Susie) Wilkinson of Mount Carmel, IL, Larry (Judy) Wilkinson of Lancaster, IL, Tim (Karole) Wilkinson of Allendale, IL; daughters, Carolyn (Gary) Pittsford of Pendleton, IN and Connie (Fred) Rieffel of Newburgh, IN; grandchildren, Gussie Stefanich, Michelle Wilkinson, Rodney Wilkinson, Stephanie Koetter, Broc Pittsford, Matt Pittsford, Jennifer Huggins, Andrew Worthey, Chad Wilkinson, Bree Pflaum;  sixteen great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jean Wilkinson; son, Robert Wayne Wilkinson, brothers Johnny, Willard, Donald, Gilbert, Ervin and Albert; sisters, Alberta Wheatley and Emma Hall.

In keeping with Earl’s wishes, he will be cremated and a private family burial will take place at a later date.  Memorial contributions may be made in Earl’s memory to Harrison Cemetery, c/o Larry Wilkinson, 6767 Hwy 11, Mt. Carmel, IL  62863.

Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements.  To view Earls tribute wall, leave condolences and purchase flowers for the Wilkinson  family, please visit www.KeepesFuneralHome.com.