John Oliver Wilkerson, 88, of Excelsior Springs, MO., passed away at Cameron Regional Medical Center, on June 13, 2020. He had recently resided at Redwood of Cameron. John was born September 21, 1931, to Alfred and Nettie (Benson) Wilkerson in Oregon County, MO. He grew up in and around Myrtle, MO a small town in the Ozarks, graduating from Couch High School in 1951. After graduation, John moved to Kansas City, to work for Ralston Purina Inc, when he was drafted into the Army, serving 13 months in Korea. After the war, he returned to Purina where he worked for 39 years. In June 1955, John Married Betty YuVaughn Cline, his spouse of 46 years.
He is preceded in death by his wife Betty, both parents, daughter Denise, brother Alonzo, sister Lavicia, a granddaughter Destiny. He is survived by his daughters; Donna (Steve) Petty, of Excelsior Springs, MO and Debra (Bill) Parks of Kearney, MO, and his son John-Michael (Lisa) Wilkerson of Eureka, CA. Also surviving are eight grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, June 18, 2020 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and Funeral Service will be Friday, June 19, 2020 starting at 10:00 am at Church Archer Pasley Funeral Home. Burial will be at Crown Hill Cemetery in Excelsior Springs, MO with full military honors.