John W. Wilkey

Born September 8, 1936 in Bloomington, IL to Virgil W. and Alice Irene (DeVoe) Wilkey; he first married Bertha “Peggy” (Varner) Barnett on April 14, 1978 in Mindon, NV and she preceded him in death on April 15, 1989. He then married Lila Ann (Peterson) Colvin on July 6, 1992 in Secor, IL and she survives.

Also surviving are his three stepsons, Greg (Deb) Bessler of Morton, Brad (Darlene) Colvin and Vince (Pam) Colvin, both of East Peoria; many step-grandchildren, step-great grandchildren and one step-great great granddaughter; four sisters, Erma (Oscar) Reich of Aurora, IL, Wanda Wilkey of Bloomington, IN, Martha Lyons of Roanoke, IL and Pam Wilkey of Millis, MA; and three brothers, Art (Carolyn) Wilkey of Secor, IL George (Ella) Wilkey of Piper City, IL and Charles (Rose) Wilkey of Columbus, GA.

He was also preceded in death by four sisters and 2 brothers.

John was a US Navy veteran serving from 1956 to 1960.

He worked for most of his life at Caterpillar Inc. retiring as an inspector in 1994 after 38 ½ years. He then worked at Standard Sheet Metal in Peoria for two years as a machinist.

John was a member of Highview Church of God and loved attending services with Lila. He will be remembered with gratitude by his stepsons for the manner in which he took care of their mother.

The family will celebrate John’s life with a memorial service at 2:00 pm Sunday, February 21, 2016 at Highview Church of God in Washington. The Rev. Brent Farmer will officiate. Remmert Funeral Home in East Peoria has assisted the family with cremation arrangements.

Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association.