Thomas Wilkerson Obituary

Thomas "Tom" Richard Wilkerson, 76, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, August 23, 2022.

Tom was born on June 5, 1946, in Springfield, Missouri, to William Joseph and Theresa (Cook) Wilkerson. Most of his childhood was spent in Steelville, Missouri where he attended school and went on to graduate from Steelville High in 1964.

On June 14th, 1969 he married Vicki Ellestad, in Steelville, Missouri. The couple then moved to Rapid City, South Dakota where Tom was stationed at Ellsworth Air Force base.

His professional career led him to serve his country and community. He spent four years in the United States Air Force before going on to obtain his bachelor's degree in Recreation Administration at Southwest Missouri State. After working for a year at the Bureau of Recreation in Jefferson City, Missouri he accepted a position at the University of Kansas in their recreation department. While there, he earned his Master's degree from KU. He would go on to spend 20 years at the City of Lawrence in the Parks and Recreation department, where he served as the Assistant Director, before retiring in 2002.

Tom was involved in various community and volunteer organizations such as Kiwanis Club, Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite and as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. For nearly 30 years you could find him at every home basketball and football game working in the press box, cheering on his beloved Jayhawks.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years Vicki, his two daughters, Melissa (Matt Millner) Wilkerson of Lincoln, Nebraska, Maegan (Derek) Lee of Lindsborg, Kansas, brother, Paul (Tina Mason) Wilkerson, three grandchildren who he was so very proud of, Keeton Lee, McClellan Millner, and Elleson Lee.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, brother, David Wilkerson, and sister, Frances Ann Pearson.

Family will gather with friends, neighbors and colleagues to celebrate Tom's life and host a reception on Sunday, August 28th from 2 - 4:00pm at the Cider Gallery, 810 Pennsylvania, Lawrence, Kansas. Remarks and sharing of stories will begin at 2:30pm.

Memorial contributions may be made in Tom's name to the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Wee Folks Scholarship Fund, https://lawrenceks.org/lprd/weefolks/

and mailed to the Lawrence Parks & Recreation Department at :

P.O. Box 708, Lawrence KS 66044, (785) 832-3450

Or to the LMH Health Foundation https://www.lmh.org/foundation/

LMH Health Foundation, 785-505-5005, 316 Maine, Lawrence, Kansas 66044

or may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.