Larry Laverne Wilkerson, age 69
Of Olney, IL and formerly of Effingham, IL went to be with his heavenly father at 12:07 PM – Tuesday, December 18, 2012.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM – Saturday, December 22, 2012 at Blake-Buchanan Funeral Home in Newton, IL with Pastor Paul Goss officiating. Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery in Newton, IL with
full military rites by the Jasper Post #20 American Legion.
Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 PM on Friday, December 21, 2012 at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to the First Assembly of God Church of Olney's Building Fund.
The obituary can be viewed and condolences left at www.blakefh.com.
Larry was born on December 15, 1943 in Grand Junction, Colorado the son of John M. and Elsie V. (Frye) Wilkerson. He grew up in Grand Junction, Colorado. After graduating high school Larry enlisted in the Army. During his 8 years of service to his country he acquired many medals of honor and was a P.O.W during Vietnam for approximately a month until the men of his own company rescued him. He was employed by World Color Press of Effingham as a supervisor for over 25 years until his retirement in 1995. Larry attended the First Assembly of God Church in Olney, IL and was a past member of the American Legion.
Larry enjoyed playing golf and gardening. He enjoyed going to Cardinals' games and
watching Notre Dame football on the TV.
But most of all Larry enjoyed spending time with his family.
On May 12, 1990 Larry married Davey Lynn Bensken.
Larry is survived by his wife of 22 years Davey Wilkerson of Olney, IL
Sisters- Lynda (Glen) Richardson of Aztec, Colorado; Wilma (Jim) Gravestock of Farmington, New Mexico; Vivian (Mike) Powers of Rifle, Colorado; Cathy Richardson of Grand Junction, Colorado and
Vicki (Tom) Farmer of Grand Junction, Colorado
Brothers- Steven (Donna) Wilkerson and Pat Wilkerson both of Grand Junction, Colorado
Daughter- Macheal Miller of Shelbyville, IL
Step Children – Diana (Ray) Messerly of Olney, Illinois; Jerry (Mary) Stoops Jr. of Edgewood, Illinois and
Teresa (Mike) Beehn of Olney, Illinois.
Grandchildren Kelcie Miller; Jeremy Givens; Jason Givens; Cody Beehn; Shiana Messerly; Raymond Messerly, Jr.; Kyle Boewe; Bryce Beehn and Shayli Beehn
Great- Great-grandson- Jokobi Beehn
Larry was preceded in death by his Parents; infant son; infant brother; brothers Robert and James;
sister Helen and grandson Bradley Cobb.