Drue Dilliard Wilkes Jr.

Drue Dilliard Wilkes, Jr, was born November 20, 1942 in Kansas City, Kansas, the first child of Alice Mae Pulver Wilkes and Drury Dilliard Wilkes. The family lived on a farm where Drue learned many life skills, especially hard work, love of family, and devotion to God. He was a good student and, early on, developed a love of reading.

Following graduation from Lee’s Summit High School in 1960, Drue joined the U.S. Army, serving three years in Munich, Germany, 5th Medical Tank Battalion. Experience as a medic fostered the desire to become a nurse. He received an Associate's in Applied Science Degree from Penn Valley Community College in Kansas City, Missouri, and in 1974 became licensed to practice Professional Nursing in Texas.

Drue’s nursing career was varied, matching his invincible personality. He often held two positions at a time, including Med-surg, ICU, Home Health Care, and oversight of state institutions. His final position, which he held for many years, was Internal Nurse Auditor for South Texas Health System.

Drue was an avid reader and loved history, science, art, music, dancing, sports, eating all types of food, and traveling. He had a warm smile, a contagious laugh, and was everybody’s friend. He never minded hard work and could fix almost anything.

As a member of First Presbyterian Church of McAllen, he was an ordained Elder, taught adult Sunday School classes for many years, served on numerous committees, and chaired the usher team. He was a devoted believer in Christ and passionately studied His Word.

After a lengthy illness, Drue entered Life Eternal on October 11, 2025, in his home, surrounded by loving family members. Survivors include his loving wife of forty-two years, Sharon Wilkes; sisters, Barbara Hale of LaCygne, Kansas, Linda Roberts (Kevin) of Independence, Missouri, and Joyce Lobmaster of Chesterfield, Missouri; stepsons, Jeffery Byrom (Donna) of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Jonathan Byrom (Jené) of Pharr, Texas; stepdaughter, Leigh Griffith of McAllen, Texas; daughter Dianne Garcia (Keith McClary) of Bolivar, Missouri; son, Dwight Wilkes (Michelle) of Sedgwick, Kansas; eight grandsons; five granddaughters; and four great granddaughters. His life was full and blessed.

A service of Celebration for Drue’s life will be held at 10:30 am, December 6, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of McAllen, 104 S. 12th St., McAllen, Texas 78501. Internment will take place on December 8, 2025 at 11:00 am at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery, at 2520 Inspiration Road, Mission, TX 78572.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following:

The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration

2700 Horizon Drive, Suite 120

King of Prussia, PA 19406

First Presbyterian Church of McAllen

P.O. Box 1029

McAllen, TX 78505

AMARA Hospice

505 West Owassa Rd.

Edinburg, TX 78539