Thomas “Tom” Richard Wilkerson
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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.
So sorry to hear the news. Deepest condolences to you and your family Vicki.
I’m so sorry about Tom’s passing. My condolences to you and your family.
So sorry for your loss Vicki & family. Tom was a great friend and schoolmate. Both Larry & I thought so much of Tom! May God bless you all.
So sorry for your loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family at this saddened time.
So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. He was a good man. My condolences to his family.
Vicki and family,
Our heartfelt thoughts and condolences go out to all of you during this difficult time. Tom was a great friend and wonderful man. Keep all your wonderful memories of him close to your hearts, for they will help ease your sorrow.
So sorry for your loss, Vicki.
Vicki,
I’m so sorry to hear about Tom’s death. We lost one of the good guys. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Bruce Earls:
Vicki & Family,
So sorry and saddened for your loss. All of the years Tom and I
spent together at Steelville R-3 were the best and provided great memories.
Vicki,
I am so sorry for your loss we will be keeping you and your family in our prayers. Your faith will sustain you during this hard time.
I remember Tom as a good basketball player and particularly one close game where he stole 2 inbound passes and scored 2 quick baskets for a Cardinal win.
Dick Rogers
Deepest sympathy to you and your family. Prayers for comfort during this difficult time.
My Deepest Condolences Vicki and family. May Tom rest in the arms of the lord, and give you comfort.
We are so sorry to hear about Tom’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Anytime I go to the Village for a visit or to play bridge, you can be sure that I will look up to the East End and expect Tom to be sitting there, regardless of the weather. I know your family will support you in the grief you and they, are suffering. You have so many friends at the Village who will be there for you in the coming days. Tom is at peace.
Vicki, I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family at this difficult time.
Vicki and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. What a great man! He made a big difference in the lives of so many. A colleague, mentor, teammate, supporter, and friend. Peace, Hope, Love, Joy be with you ❤️.
Dear Vicki and daughters, I ‘m so sorry to hear of your loss. Tom was a special person healthy, happy, helpful, hopeful and always kind. Vicky, I know you remember the last thing Jesus said before He went to heaven, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” God bless and keep you.
Dear Vicki and family,
Our hearts and prayers are with you.
Tom was a loving, kind, and fun guy. I will always have fond memories of trips to visit you in South Dakota. That was so much fun. Of course, the MU vs KU game was a memorable event, too. God is with you. Peace be with you. Our love
Dear Vicki and Family,
Our condolences go out to you and your family. I have followed you and your family on facebook and watched all of the memories that you and yours created. May God be with you and your family.
Vicki and Family – God bless you. Psalm 116:15 – All who belong to the LORD are precious to HIM in Life here and for ever.
Vicki and Family-I am so sorry for your loss. You and the Family are in my PRAYERS.
Vicki:
Joy and I are terribly sorry at your loss. I have many pleasant memories of Tom at KU. Years ago when he was running the scoreboard at a KU basketball games, he ran the name of our business across the scoreboard as a joke. I was happy to see it, but apparently those in charge never noticed and nothing ever came of it.
Vicki and Family,
I was so sorry to hear about Tom’s passing. We worked together at Parks and Recreation. He was a wonderful man and I always enjoyed him. God bless all of you.
Wayne Pounds Class of 1962
Sorry to hear about Tom.
Lord be with you and the family.
I’m so sorry to hear about Tom’s passing. I have nothing but great memories when I think of Tom, Highschool, and all of the friends we had. God bless you all.