Leonard Eugene WILKES

Leonard Eugene Wilkes, 85, of Athens, died Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 18, 2011, at Hickory Creek Nursing Center, The Plains. Born May 19, 1926, in Athens County, he was the son of the late Albert and Josephine Linscott Wilkes A graduate of Athens High School, he was an automobile mechanic and service manager for more than 45 years. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. He was a member of K.T. Crossen Post 21 American Legion, VFW Post 3477 and DAV Chapter 37, all of Athens. Leonard is survived by two daughters, Barbara Jean Barber of Canyon, Texas, and Shirley Ann (Dave) Porter of Athens; three sons, Rodney Eugene (Donita) Wilkes, Stephen Daniel Wilkes and Craig Allan Wilkes, all of Athens; nine grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great-grandchildren. Besides his parents he is preceded in death by his wife, Betty Zerkle Wilkes; two sisters, Mary L. LeMaster and Florence Watkins; two brothers, Vernon and Raymond Wilkes; and a son-in-law, Myron Barber. Funeral service will be conducted Friday at 1 p.m. at Jagers and Sons Funeral Home, Athens, with the Rev. Steve Sayre officiating. Burial will be in West Union Street Cemetery. Friends may call Friday 11 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home.

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