Marvin Wilkerson

My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. Philippians 1:23 Marvin Norman Wilkerson, 80, departed Monday, July 28th at Central Wyoming Hospice after an extended illness. He was a beloved father and grandfather, a loyal husband and a treasured brother. His zeal for life was more than he could contain much of the time. He will be greatly missed. Marvin was born December 17, 1933 in Abilene, TX to Harley and Leona Faye (Brown) Wilkerson. He spent a good portion of his childhood in isolated ranching homesteads until his family took up residence in Colorado City, TX. Through the many ups and downs of childhood Marvin helped raise his four younger siblings and they were all more resilient for it. Marvin attended Colorado City High School where he made several life-long friends and kept the local police force on their toes as he honed his sense of adventure. He served in the U.S. Army from 1953-56, including a tour of duty in the Korean War. While stationed in Japan he met his first wife when she helped him in his pursuit to buy a monkey. Though the monkey proved a poor companion, his wife gave him his first daughter who was a source of joy throughout his life. Never one to have his choices limited, he attended The University of Texas, The University of Houston, and Odessa College to study chemical engineering after returning from the war. His abundant intelligence, humor and ability to embellish made him an exceptional storyteller, but did little for his modesty. He used these gifts in his career as a travelling salesman, beginning in 1963, for oil and gas company AMF Tuboscope. He met his wife, Gay (Naylor) Wilkerson, in South Charleston, WV and they married in Clare, MI in 1975. They had two daughters in Michigan before settling in their permanent home in Glenrock, WY in 1980. Marvin said Gay was "the best thing that ever happened to me." He loved baking and won several ribbons, including many 1st places, for his breads at the Wyoming State Fair. His heart was always bigger than his pocketbook and he contributed to nearly every charity organization he encountered. He collected coins, off-color jokes, and wildflowers for the women in his life. He always had cowboy boots in his closet and was fond of sad country songs, fast cars and anything cooked on a grill. He and his wife were long-time members of the Church of Christ in Glenrock where Marvin served as a preacher for many years. He was also active in the American Legion outpost in Glenrock. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 38 years, Gay, who also died in hospice on New Year's Eve; his sister Peggy Shrum and brother Jim Ben Spivey both of Colorado City, TX. Marvin leaves behind his daughters Ingrid René Wilkerson of Costa Mesa, CA, Vera McGurn and fiancée Justin Ingram of Casper, and Tina Ulmer and husband Erich of Centennial, CO; five grandchildren, Brice Wilkerson, Serena and Isaiah McGurn and Harlan and Ruby Ulmer, all of whom he was very proud and loved deeply. He is also survived by his brother Buck Spivey of Colorado City, TX and sister Lanette Miller and husband Don of Big Spring, TX. Memorial services will be held at 9am on Thursday, July 31st at the Oregon Trail Veterans Cemetery in Evansville, WY. The family wishes to thank all the earthbound angels working at Central Wyoming Hospice. Without them the suffering would have been unbearable for those who remain. The family also asks that you remember to be kind to those whose battles may be unknown to you, forgive and allow yourself to be forgiven, and when you feel overwhelmed by the many things in life you cannot understand let alone change, recite the mantra It Is What It Is.

Service

Thursday, July 31, 2014 9:00am

Oregon Trail Veterans Cemetery

Curtis Street

Evansville, Wyoming 82636