Leonard Allan Wilks

Leonard Allan Wilks, age 84, of White Lake, MI, was born January 1, 1938 in Muskegon, MI, and passed away February 19, 2022 in Commerce Township, MI. Loving father of Chuck (Shirley) Wilks, Dawn Basile, and Doreen (Bart) Flook. Treasured grandfather of 8 and great-grandfather of 6. Dear brother of Loretta (Bruce) Martin. Leonard was preceded in passing by his beloved wife, Mary Elinor Wilks; his son, Steve Wilks; and his parents, Luther and Lillian Wilkes.

As a longtime resident of Michigan, Leonard was among the first graduating class of Walled Lake High School. After graduating high school, Leonard joined the Army Reserve and attended Lawrence Technical College. It didn't take long for Leonard to fall in love with his wife Mary (Ciot) Wilks. He would often fondly reminisce of how he knew he was going to marry her from the first time they met. They married in 1959 and immediately started a family in Walled Lake, MI, with 2 boys and twin girls by the end of 1963. In 1970 he built a ranch style home in White Lake, MI, and had a small family farm.

By profession he was a tool and die maker. He started working at the age of 18 alongside his father, Luther Wilkes, and retired after 45+ years of service from Moore Production Tool Specialties. Besides his tradesman skills, he applied his mathematical knowledge as a talented builder and handyman. There wasn't anything he couldn't do or fix.

Leonard was an avid outdoorsman, bowler, golfer, archer. He enjoyed spending time at the family cottage he built near White Cloud, MI. Fishing, hunting and being in the woods was his retreat. Looking for morel mushrooms was often an event and a favorite family activity of his. October and November were the months you would find him going out hunting with his "buddies" and he enjoyed those times immensely.

After retiring Leonard (and Mary) would winter in Florida and he would often say, "you can't shovel, sunshine!". He loved saying that. He continued going to Florida even after his beloved wife's passing, traveling in tow with his sister Loretta, brother-in-law Bruce, and friends.

He was often known for his quick wit and humor. Someone in memoriam wrote that he was "The King of Quick Quips – authored only by Leonard". It's quite a befitting statement. Leonard seemed to never meet a stranger and always made friends. Anyone that met him was greeted with his witty humor, jolly laugher, and welcoming smile. His life is celebrated as a devoted husband, loving father, caring grandfather and joyful great-grandboompa. A great patriarch, role model, friend and simply put, he was a wonderful family man and great person. His beautiful journey continues through all that knew him.

Memorial Visitation will be held Saturday, May 21, 2022 from 10:00am until the time of the Memorial Service at 11:00am at the Union Lake Chapel of the Elton Black & Son Funeral Home, 1233 Union Lake Road, White Lake. Inurnment will be held Saturday, May 21, 2022 at 1:00pm at Oakland Hills Memorial Gardens, 43300 W. 12 Mile Road, Novi.

Memorial Contributions in Leonard's honor may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.