Richard Wilkinson's Obituary
Richard Warren Wilkinson, age 83, of Grand Haven passed away Sunday, September 11, 2005, at his home. Born November 12, 1921 to Robert and Dawn (Merrifield) Wilkinson in Grand Rapids, he married Betty A. Holley on March 3, 1945.
Mr. Wilkinson served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He retired from N&K Cartage Co. and was co-owner of The Calico Cat, Ltd. of Grand Haven. He served on the board of Downtown Grand Haven, Inc. and was a member of the American Legion-Charles Conklin Post 28. Mr. Wilkinson was known for the flower boxes he built and cared for in downtown Grand Haven. He was an avid fan of MSU and Detroit Lions football and had a lifelong interest in jazz and sports cars.
Survivors include his wife Betty; daughters Mary (Robert) Janusz of Grand Haven, Paula (Tom) Levy of Algoma, Wisc.; son John D. (Amy) Wilkinson of Sorrento, Fla.; five grandchildren: Marisa (Joe), Adam, Thomas (Rachel), Kathleen, and Richard Benjamin; three great-grandchildren: Avery, Jonah and Elias; a sister Lucy Ann (Robert) DeVries of St. Joseph, Mich.; three brothers: Roger (Donna) Wilkinson of Ada; Joseph (Donna) Wilkinson of East Lansing; Thomas (Louise) Wilkinson of Soddy-Daisy, Tenn.; a brother-in-law Willard (Bea) Dornbos of Ludington; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son Richard Thomas; a sister Dawn Catherine Dornbos; and a brother Robert Cleveland Wilkinson.
Friends may meet the family for a time of remembrance to be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 17th at the American Legion-Charles Conklin Post 28 in Grand Haven. Memorials to Hospice of North Ottawa Community are appreciated. The family extends special thanks to the staff of Hospice of North Ottawa Community and North Ottawa In-Home Care Services. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.vbkfuneralhome.com
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