Richard D. "Butch" Wilkerson

Richard D. "Butch" Wilkerson, 80, of Columbus, died at Willow Crossing on November 27, 2024, the son of the late Lawrence and Georgia (Meek) Wilkerson. He married Judy Johnson on December 4, 2006.
Wilkerson began his racing career in 1962 at Brownstown Speedway, quickly becoming a force at Bloomington, Lawrenceburg, and Tri-State Speedway, where he won several track championships.
In 1972 he won the first Edd Sheppard Memorial Race at Paragon, which he was very proud of.
In 1974, he teamed up with car owners Jim and Helen McQueen, with Owen Snider as Chief Mechanic, and in 1975, they were nearly unbeatable in their Stapp Chassis No. 1 car. Wilkerson's 1975 season was remarkable, with 29 feature wins and an astounding 55 top three finishes out of 77 races.
However, everything changed at the end of the 1979 USAC season when Wilkerson suffered a severe head injury in a crash. He was in a coma for 28 days at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, and the long recovery process not only forced him out of racing but also ended his dream of qualifying for the 1980 Indianapolis 500, where he had planned to race for legendary car owner Jack Rhoades.
Although Wilkerson could no longer race, he remained deeply connected to the sport. He worked as a flagger at various race tracks, continuing to share his knowledge and love of racing. His presence was a fixture at the track, where he also gave benedictions, often with a deep sense of gratitude and humility. His faith in God and love for the sport became a source of inspiration for younger drivers, as he took on the role of mentor, always eager to pass along wisdom and encouragement about how to win a race.
Wilkerson's contributions to racing were recognized with his induction into the Little 500 Hall of Fame and the Hoosier Auto Racing Fans Hall of Fame, where he was inducted in 2004. In 1980, he received the HARF Pat O'Connor Award, an honor that moved him deeply and brought him to tears whenever he spoke about this accomplishment. Wilkerson's legacy in racing continues, not only as a champion on the track but as a beloved figure who shared his passion for the sport and his faith with all who crossed his path. After he stopped racing he became a full-time auctioneer at the Scipio Auction Barn.
The funeral will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at First Church of the Nazarene with Pastor Travis Stamper officiating. Calling will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at Jewell Rittman Family Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at St. George Lutheran Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the First Church of the Nazarene (1245 McClure Rd, Columbus, IN 47201).
Survivors include his wife, Judy Wilkerson; children, Toni (Jeff) Ping, Tonia Jackson both of Columbus, Tim (Betsy) Wilkerson of Indianapolis; stepchildren, Michelle (Luke) Probst of Ogilville, James (Sally) Watson of Scipio, Rebecca Roberts, and Rachael (Ernie) Smith both of Edinburgh; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Georgia Wilkerson, stepson, Lloyd Dean Jr., and son-in-law, John Roberts.
You are invited to view the video tribute, light a virtual candle and send a message to the family.