Gene was born in Harvard, IL, on October 6, 1934, the son of Raymond W. and Beatrice M. Dennis Wilkinson. He married Elaine A. Kokenes in Sedona, AZ, on September 20, 1997.
Gene graduated from Harvard High School in 1952. He later graduated from University of Illinois in 1961, earning his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. Gene proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1953 until 1957 with the Seabees in the Philippines and Vietnam. He was employed with Hanson Professional Services since 1962, serving as the president from 1989-1999 and CEO from 1995-2000. Gene also served as Chairman Emeritus Board of Directors. He was a member of various organizations, including the Sangamo Club, American Society of Civil Engineers, Illinois and National Society of Professional Engineers, and United Way Chairman. Gene also loved fishing, gardening, and woodworking.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Gene is survived by his wife, Elaine A. Wilkinson; sons, Jeffrey Pedderson of Minneapolis, MN, Dennis (Stephanie) Wilkinson of Chatham, Brian Dye of Albuquerque, NM, and Aaron Dye of Queens Creek, AZ; daughters, Kristin Pedderson of Scottsdale, AZ, Amy (Scott) Hill of Bolling Green, KY, and Sarah Wilkinson of Springfield; sister, Gayle (Terry) Johnson of Cedar Rapids; sister-in-law, Cindy Wilkinson of Gilbert, AZ; 13 grandchildren; and 2 great-grandchildren.
Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.
Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 19, 2024, at Butler Funeral Home- Springfield, 900 S. 6th Street, Springfield.
Memorial Ceremony: 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at Butler Funeral Home-Springfield.
Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors provided by the Department of Defense and the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or United Way of Central IL.
The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home- Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.
