Sherman Wilkerson

Sherman Wilkerson, 89, of McDaniels, passed away Saturday, April 17, 2021, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born Dec. 1, 1931, in Snap, Kentucky, the son of the late Everett and Lois Haycraft Wilkerson.

He was a retired boilermaker. He enjoyed farming, raising tobacco, tending to his cows and hogs and loved being around his family. He also loved to sing, although that wasn't discovered until later in life. Sherman was a night patrol officer for the Leitchfield city police beginning in 1956. From 1960-1967, he served as Leitchfield police chief, nearly losing his life in an arrest. He received multiple injuries in his line of duty including a concussion and a life-threatening knife wound. Mr. Wilkerson was awarded the Key to the City of Leitchfield in 2019 for his dedication, bravery, protection and service to the citizens of Leitchfield.

In 1954, he married the love of his life, Magdalene Fentress Wilkerson and together they built a family until her death in 1995. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge No. 236. He was a member and trustee of Trinity Full Gospel Church.

He is survived by his children, Phillip Curt Wilkerson (Lynda) of Leitchfield, Everett Joe Wilkerson (Mary Ann) of Wichita Falls, Texas, Jewell Shermalene Tucker (Clinton) of McDaniels, Lois Mae Wilkerson of McDaniels and Michael Wayne Wilkerson of Leitchfield; 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; two brothers, David Wilkerson of Louisville and Hayward Wilkerson of Leitchfield; and several nieces and nephews.

Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Magdalene Fentress Wilkerson; three grandchildren, Alyssa Renee Tucker, Leslie Suzanne Wilkerson and Adam Scott Snell; and several brothers and sisters.

The funeral is at 11 a.m. Friday, April 23, at Dermitt Funeral Home in Leitchfield. Bro. Robert Sorrels will be officiating. Burial will be in Clarkson Cemetery.

Visitation is from 3 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and from 10 a.m. Friday until time of services.
Online condolences can be made in the guestbook at www.dermittfuneralhome.com.