A true gentle man, Andy B. Wilkerson, passed from his earthly body into the Glory of Heaven on Aug. 28, 2010.
Andy was a kind and loving man who treasured his family and friends. He will be forever in the hearts of those he touched.
Andy B. Wilkerson was born on Dec. 1, 1945, in West Frankfort to Harry and Marguerite (Banovz) Wilkerson. He was a graduate of Sesser High School and Rend Lake College.
He married his best friend and love of his life, Debra, on Aug. 22, 1975. For 35 years, they were blessed with a love few ever find, truly each others best friend.
Andy loved his family and friends and was a life long train enthusiast and railroader. He and Deb traveled across the country often visiting train museums and scenic railroads. Steam trains were his favorite, but he never met a train he didn’t enjoy learning about, seeing or riding on. His love for trains began as a child with his Lionel collection from his parents and grandparents. He shared his love of railroading with his children.
Everyone who new Andy grew to love his kind demeanor, sharp intelligence and wry wit. Andy and Deb headed for their “western adventure” in 2001, moving from Benton to Avondale, Ariz., and never looked back. Andy loved living in Arizona, much preferring sunshine to snow. Andy’s family will forever miss the love, joy and happiness he brought to our lives.
Andy is survived by his wife, Debra; his two sons, Lee Kahl and wife Jeanne, Buckeye, Ariz., and Steven Wilkerson and wife, Martha, Surprise, Ariz.; and daughter, Heather Wilkerson, Decatur. In addition, his grandchildren, Jessie Allen and Lukas Allen, Tempe, Ariz., Jeremy Allen, Coulter, Iowa, and Tessa Wilkerson and Mason Wilkerson, Decatur. And his favorite “sparing partner," his mother in law, Dorothy Carlile, Buckeye, Ariz.
Visitation was at Thompson Valley West Funeral Chapel, 926 S. Litchfield Road, Goodyear, AZ Wednesday, Sept. 1, with a Rosary. Services were at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 2, at Thompson Chapel. Burial services to follow at Resthaven Park Cemetery, 6290 W. Northern Ave., Glendale, AZ.
Memorials may be made in Andy’s name at Hospice of the Valley or the Arizona Humane Society. A celebration of Andy’s life was held at the Wilkerson home following the services.
You may send the family condolences at www.thompsonfuneralchapel.com.
