Jack Wilkinson

Jack Wilkinson, 78, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri passed away December 29, 2011, on the date of his 55th wedding anniversary. He was the son of Willard and Ella Wilkinson, of Bates City, Missouri. His mother died in 1935, but he was blessed with a loving mother in 1940 when his father married Pat Wright from Sullivan, Missouri. He leaves his wife, Penny; a daughter, Jackie Rae; and three sons, Robert (Beau), Edward (Rocky), and Neal and their families including seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Barry Wilkinson; sisters Patty Ochs and Sherry Joy along with many nieces and nephews. He attended the University of Missouri and played football for Don Farout, graduating in 1955 to serve as a Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. After leaving the Air Force, he returned to his lifelong career with the Laborers International Union. He was a true son of labor, beginning as a water boy in Kansas City in 1948, and spending the next 62 years representing his beloved union. He retired as a Vice President in 2000 at Headquarters in Washington, D.C. He returned to his “home” in Lee’s Summit in 2003 and lived there until his death. The family will be holding a memorial celebration on Saturday, January 14. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Children’s Mercy Hospital, 2401 Gillham Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64108. Condolences may be offered at www.mtmoriah-freeman.com. Arrangements under the direction of Mount Moriah and Freeman Funeral Home in Kansas City, MO.