John M Wilkes

Rev. John Mannen Wilkes, 83 of Fredericksburg passed away on Sunday, October 2, 2016 at his residence. He was born in Frederick, OK February 5, 1933. He lived on a farm with his Mother and Grandmother in Mountain Park, OK. He learned to cook at a very young age. His Mom was a drama and English teacher.

He went to elementary & High school, Mtn. Park, Oklahoma. He went to college at Cameron U: (A.A.). Midwestern U: (B.A.). Southwestern Baptist Seminary: (B.D;M.Div.). U. of Touraine: (Diploma in French Studies). U. of Oklahoma: (Graduate studies in Oral and Organizational Communication; Journalism). Chautauqua Institute: (Preaching for 21st Century), Center For Congregational Health, Wake Forest U.(Interim Pastor and Intentional Interim Training).

His Christian service was him being a minister to Youth: Tate Springs B.C, Arlington, TX. Pastor: Hornsby B.C, TN; East B.C., Corinth, MS,: First Baptist, Piedmont, MO. Led each church in yearly budget, mission giving and baptism increases. He was appointed to Pacific Northwest: SBC Home Mission Board (NAMB) as VBS and Youth Camp specialist and then appointed to France by SBC (now IMB) Foreign Mission Board. Pastor or Interim (French) at Fontainne- Lavaganne, Orleans, Chatellerault, Strasbourg, et. al. Interims at English-language churches in Europe; Pastor at Emmanuel Baptist, Paris, and Munich (Germany) Baptist. Temporary transfer to Switzerland; returned to France and later seconded on request of European Baptist Federation as News & Information Director based in Switzerland. Resigned IMB

following election as Director, Division of Communications, Baptist World Alliance (BWA).

He was always looking out for those that needed help. I always said he got more out of helping than the ones he helped. He always wanted to write a book, but never found the time to do that. He was an avid reader and loved to work crossword puzzles. He did much of his communications on the internet. He was kind, even those who would oppose him, he would do anything to smooth things over. Knowing him was a GIFT FROM GOD. He set the Gold Standard for life well lived. Every chapter of his life was worthy of admiration.

He was a leader in many countries; "M" Night, Leadership Night, Assembly Speaker for Baptist Assn. Teacher & Narrator, Gulfshore Assembly in Mississippi

He is survived by his loving wife, Jo-Anne; son, John Wilkes; daughter, Katia Simmons and husband, Steve; and two grandchildren, Ariane and Callum Jaffe.

A memorial service will be held at Fredericksburg Baptist Church on Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at 11:00 am. Interment will be private at a later date.

Memorials may be made in his name to Fredericksburg Baptist Church.

Online condolence may be sent at www.mullinsthompsonfredericksburg.com