(From Derfelt Funeral Home)John William Wilkerson, age 75, passed away at 11:21 am, Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at Mercy Hospital, Joplin, MO following a long bout with prostate cancer.
John was born July 4, 1947 in Galena, KS., where he lived the majority of his life. His parents were Ray and Mary Ellen (Moody) Wilkerson.
He graduated with Galena H.S. class of 1965 and then served in the U.S. Air Force from 1967 to 1971. John then went to MSSU and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Education to teach and coach.
Later in his career he earned a Masters degree in Educational Leadership to become an Administrator. Most of his professional career was spent as a high school teacher and football coach at Marais des Cygnes Valley H.S. in KS, but he spent several years as a Principal at Southeast Schools, Cherokee KS., where he retired in 2009. Following his retirement, he continued to coach football for the Joplin Crusaders, Northeast H.S. and finally McAuley Catholic H.S.
He was a member of the First Christian Church, Galena. John was married to Melinda V. Snowden on June 12, 1967 in Galena. She survives.
He was a member of the First Christian Church, Galena. John was married to Melinda V. Snowden on June 12, 1967 in Galena. She survives.
Additional survivors include two sons, Brent Wilkerson (Barb), Carl Junction, MO, and Jeff Wilkerson (Briana), Lawrence, KS: one daughter, Johnna Stringer (Aaron), Galena; two sisters, Barbara Kent and Shirley Watkins both of Galena; 7 grandchildren and one great-grandchild who affectionately called him Papa John.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Jerry Wilkerson.
He was entrusted to Derfelt Funeral Home, Galena, KS for cremation.
The family invites other family and friends to attend a visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 am, Saturday, July 30, 2022 at First Christian Church, Galena, KS. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 am. In honor of John’s love for coaching and sports, those attending are encouraged to wear a football jersey or their favorite team gear as we come together to celebrate his life.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:
MD Anderson Cancer Center
P.O. Box 4486
Houston, TX 77210-4486
www.mdanderson.org/gifts
He was entrusted to Derfelt Funeral Home, Galena, KS for cremation.
The family invites other family and friends to attend a visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 am, Saturday, July 30, 2022 at First Christian Church, Galena, KS. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 am. In honor of John’s love for coaching and sports, those attending are encouraged to wear a football jersey or their favorite team gear as we come together to celebrate his life.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:
MD Anderson Cancer Center
P.O. Box 4486
Houston, TX 77210-4486
www.mdanderson.org/gifts
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