Richard D. Wilkinson

Richard D. Wilkinson, 83, of Springfield, IL died Monday, April 10, 2017 in Merritt Island, FL. He was born May 31, 1933 in Springfield, IL to Fred C. and Agnes (McAuley) Wilkinson. He married Nancy McDermand in 2008.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy of Springfield; two daughters, Jeannine (Patrick) Wilkinson Corlas of St. Joseph, IL and Melinda (Joe) Wilkinson Kraus of Littleton, CO; two step-daughters, Elizabeth (Steve) Strickland of Suwanee, GA and Julie (David) Bielfeldt of Peoria Heights, IL; three stepsons, Gregory (Amy) McDermand, Brian and Jeff McDermand, all of Melbourne, FL; two grandsons, Mitchell Corlas and Justin Kraus and seven step grandchildren, Eric, Charles and Winton Strickland; Elle (Meyers) Leonard and Max, Matti and Lydia Bielfeldt.

Richard enjoyed boating, jazz music and being a snowbird in Florida. He was a graduate of Feitshan’s High School and attended Springfield Junior College. After junior college, Richard served in the United States Air Force. As a veteran, he continued his education at Bradley University. Richard was actively involved at Central Baptist Church in Springfield and also attended First Christian Church of Cocoa Beach, FL. Richard retired from CILCO as a professional engineer after 32 years of service.
He was a member of the Joseph Robbins Masonic Lodge #930, Springfield Motor Boat Club, Springfield Ski & Boat Club, English Car Club and the Bradley University Veteran’s Club.

Memorial Gathering: 10-11 am, Friday, April 28, 2017 at Central Baptist Church

Memorial Service: 11 am, Friday, April 28, 2017 at Central Baptist Church with Pastor Mary Ellen Sharp officiating.

Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery, where military honors will be conducted.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Francis, 1240 Grumman Place Titusville, FL 32780 or Central Baptist Church, Springfield, IL, or to First Christian Church of Cocoa Beach, 470 S. Brevard Ave, PO Box 320807, Cocoa Beach, FL 32932 or to the charity of the donor’s choice.