William Wilkinson,

William Nelson Wilkinson, Sr., 90, passed away early Sunday morning, November 6, 2011 at MedCentral Mansfield Hospital. Born March 30, 1921, in Bellaire, he was the son of the late Walter S. and Caroline (Heil) Wilkinson.

He was 1949 graduate of Marietta College. William was a veteran of WWII, serving in the U.S. Army with the 6th Combat Engineers earning a Purple Heart during the Philippine Invasion. On June 2, 1950, he married Jessie Rose and they made their home in the Mansfield area. He was a member of the Westbrook County Club, the 648 Board, Exchange Club, Kiwanis and 50-year member of Marietta Masonic Lodge #1, F. & A.M.

He is survived by sons, William (JoAnna) Wilkinson, Jr. of Kansas and Rodney Wilkinson of Mansfield; and grandson, James Wilkinson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of over 60 years, Jessie Rose Wilkinson on September 18, 2010; his son, Mark Wilkinson; and sister, Catherine Reiter.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, November 10, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. in the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. Friends may visit beginning at 5:00 p.m. Rector Emeritus David S. Sipes will conduct the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Richland County Foundation.