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Michael Lorenz Pilkinton, beloved son, brother, and husband of Benton, Louisiana, went to be with Jesus on Tuesday, July 22nd, 2025. Born on March 10, 1985, in Shreveport, Louisiana, he is the son of Harvey Lawrence Pilkinton, Jr., and Leah Gaensehals.
Michael dedicated his life’s work as a Senior Scientist for Eli Lilly Company to helping others and making the world a better place one day at a time. He had a brilliant mind from a very young age; he quickly learned how everything worked in the world around him. And then he would take things apart just so he could put them back together again. Michael and his wife Caroline moved to North Carolina in 2023 and were married in November 2024. They loved spending time together in their garden, playing with their dogs and cat, and embarking on new journeys together. Michael could cook with the best of them. He loved preparing meals for his family and friends. And he was the best Uncle; he really loved his nieces and nephews with everything in him. He lit up every time he saw them.
Michael, in his last months, developed a very close relationship with our Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He showed great courage, passion, and grit in his endeavor to truly know our Creator. His life was transformed, and he was set free. Michael would want everyone to know the healing and transformative power that comes from surrendering our lives to the Lord. And he would want you to know that he loves you.
Michael is preceded in death by Harvey Lawrence Pilkinton Sr., Eleanor Ruth Pilkinton, Barbara Walker, Terrell Wayne Leach, and Charles Walker.
Michael is survived by his beloved wife, Caroline Duke Pilkinton; father, Lawrence Pilkinton Jr., and his wife, Kristi Pilkinton; mother, Leah Gaensehals; uncle, Mark Pilkinton; aunt, Laurinda Hendricks, and her husband, Randall Hendricks; aunt, Debbie Gregory, and her husband, Reed Gregory; brother, Josh Pilkinton, and his wife, Laura Pilkinton; sister, Christiana Lyons, and her husband, Jeff Lyons; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A visitation will be held at Rose-Neath Funeral Home on Airline Drive in Bossier City at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, July 30th, 2025, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM and burial to follow at Pilkinton Cemetery in Benton, Louisiana.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a cause that Michael was deeply connected with by clicking this link to the Michael Pilkinton Memorial Fund, NAMI.org/fundraiser/6521913">https://donate.NAMI.org/fundraiser/6521913
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
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