George W. Wilkinson

George W. Wilkinson, 88, of Granite City, Illinois passed away at 12:18 p.m. on Thursday, November 24, 2011 at Anderson Hospital in Maryville. He was born April 24, 1923 in Bicknell, Indiana, a son of the late Walter and Hazel (Burnett) Wilkinson. He married Verna L. Wilkinson in Bicknell, Indiana and she preceded him in death on September 23, 2010 after 66 years of marriage. He retired in 1988 from Granite City Steel after 39 ½ years of dedicated service as a steelworker. The United States veteran proudly served his country during World War II with the Marine Corp. He was a member of the Granite City VFW Post and enjoyed being a part of the Senior Bowling and Senior Circle. He enjoyed his days of fishing and bowling and will be remembered for the love and special times shared with his family and friends. He is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Joan Wilkinson of Highland; daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Richard Santel of St. Louis; son, Steve Wilkinson of Granite City; twelve grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two sisters, Helen Gages of Granite City and Lynda Leggett of Maryville; other extended family and friends. In addition to his beloved wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his stepmother, Mona Wilkinson. In celebration of his life, visitation will be at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City on Monday, November 28, 2011 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. where funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 with Reverend George Christman officiating. Burial will be at Sunset Hill Memorial Estates in Glen Carbon. Memorials may be made to the Disabled American Veterans or to a charity of one’s choice and may be accepted at the funeral home.