Francis Xavier Wilkinson

WILKINSON, FRANCIS XAVIER
Francis Xavier (Bud) Wilkinson (91), born September 13, 1916, Chicago, Illinois, died Monday, October 1, 2007. Francis served our country in WWII in the United States Marine Corps in India, China and Burma, as well as state side duty at the Boston Navy Yards towards the end of the War. Francis retired as a Major from the Marine Corps in 1959. Francis graduated from St. Rita's High School and earned his Bachelor's Degree from De Paul University in Chicago. His illustrious advertising career culminated in a nine year run as Publisher of Popular Science Magazine in New York City from which he retired in 1981. Francis is survived by his ten children: Francis Xavier, Donald Joseph, Dennis Philip, Mary Elizabeth, Judith Anne, Philip Charles, Nancy Anne, Joseph Thomas, Thomas Gerard, and Daniel Francis, his thirty-five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Francis Xavier touched many people with his kindness, his friendship and his love. He preached without preaching the shining light of the Lord. His example was a catching force, and he led a full and active life. Francis was a twenty-six year resident of Rancho Santa Fe, a member of Nativity Church, St. John's Church Prayer Group and he regularly worked out with friends at the LA Fitness Club in Encinitas. Francis was laid to rest at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery with full military honors from the United States Marine Corps. He was buried alongside his beloved wife of fifty-two years, Mary Elizabeth, who died in 1997. Francis will be missed by his many friends and family. May Francis rest in peace Please sign the guest book at obituaries.uniontrib.com