Harold Wilkinson

Harold William (Bill) Wilkinson of Kerrville, Texas, passed away on Sunday, January 15, 2017, at his home in Kerrville with his wife, sons, and daughter-in-law at his side. \r\n \r\nHe was born in Alton, Illinois, on May, 23, 1930, to Harold and Esther (nee Beatty) Wilkinson. He graduated from Marquette High School in Alton. Mr. Wilkinson attended the United States Naval Academy where he played football and became a decorated combat veteran of the Korean War serving in submarines and ashore in the combat zone. Following the war, he received a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Shurtleff College in Alton, and later completed his Master's Degree in Education from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. He began his four decade long career in education as a History instructor at the Bunker Hill, Illinois, school system in 1955 and eventually became the Principal of the Elementary/Junior High School. Many in the Bunker Hill area will remember Coach Wilkinson as he coached basketball and track at Bunker Hill and coached football at the Western Military Academy in Alton. Following his retirement from the school system, he worked at the Bunker Hill Gazette-News. Mr. Wilkinson also served the Bunker Hill community as a city Alderman, Library Board member, School Board member, and on the Board of Directors of Community Memorial Hospital in Staunton, Illinois. He was a member of the American Legion, the Knights of Columbus, and Mensa.\r\n \r\nOn June 16, 1956, he married the former Frances Angelina Aloisi of Benld, Illinois; she survives along with their sons Mark (Tina) of Harper, Texas, and Scott (Kerry) of Wylie, Texas. His grandchildren include Anthony (TJ), Andrew (Danielle) and Alexis of the Dallas area, and Blake of Hannibal, Missouri.\r\n \r\nA memorial Mass will be celebrated at Notre Dame Catholic Church in Kerrville at 4 PM, Saturday, January 28, 2017. In lieu of flowers, the Family asks that Memorials and contributions be directed to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 800-306-1799. \r\n \r\nThe Family is most appreciative for the services of Peterson Hospice with special thanks to Jana, Carryl, Lisa, Harley, Miguel, Julie, Silvia, and George; and to the staff of Brookdale as well as Anita and Judy Aguirre. We also thank Johnny Grimes and company for their service to our husband and Father. \r\n \r\n Admit One: Valhalla. \r\n \r\n