Haskell Leroy Wilkerson Jr.

Haskell "Leroy" Wilkerson Jr., age 80, passed away on February 3, 2026. He was born on February 10, 1945, in Paul's Valley, Oklahoma, and spent most of his life in Bethany, Oklahoma.

Leroy was married to the love of his life, Elsie Fern (Holt) Wilkerson, for 65 years. Together they built a large, lively family and a home filled with hard work, music, laughter, and a willingness to help anyone in need.

He is survived by his children, Kevin Wilkerson and his wife Gena; Lisa Wilkerson; Marsha Brown and her husband Bradd; and Leroy Wilkerson III and his wife Amye; along with 56 grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought him tremendous pride and joy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Haskell Wilkerson Sr. and Juanita Laverne Wilkerson; his daughter, LeTisha Fern Wilkerson; and his son, Michael Wayne Wilkerson.

Leroy was an auto mechanic for most of his life and owned his own body shop. He was known for his strong work ethic, mechanical skill, and his constant readiness to stop whatever he was doing to help someone in need. If anyone had a problem, Leroy was the man they called.

He loved the music of Willie Nelson, Ronnie Milsap, and Percy Sledge. Many memories were made with that music playing in the background while he worked. Some of the fondest memories for his family were riding along with him on paper routes, learning to throw newspapers while listening to his favorite songs. He once ran an ice cream truck with the grandchildren to teach them the value of hard work, though Elsie often gave the ice cream away to children who didn't have any. Papa tried to teach the grandkids the value of hard work… and Grandma taught them the value of kindness.

Leroy was a tough man with a kind heart. He believed in working hard, helping others, and taking care of family. His generosity, grit, humor, and willingness to lend a hand left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Services will be held at Mercer-Adams Funeral Service in Bethany, Oklahoma, on February 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Viewing will be held prior to the service from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Interment will follow in Bethany Cemetery.

The service will be livestreamed and may be viewed on this obituary page.