Roy Wilkerson

Roy Valdo Wilkerson, a loving husband, caring father and grandfather, faithful friend and neighbor, passed away on November 12, 2014, at the age of 73, in Mountain Home.

Roy was born in Alder, Mont., March 8, 1941, to Earl Valdo Wilkerson and Margaret Elizabeth Christensen. He was oldest of two children to that marriage.

He attended elementary school in Montana and high school in Portland, Ore. He earned his high school diploma in Twenty Nine Palms, Calif.,while he was in the military.

Roy enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp in 1958 when he was 17. He was a patriotic and dedicated military man. He loved being a Marine. He retired 20 years later.

He served three tours in Vietnam and was a communication specialist. He earned numerous awards in his field of work and battle.

He worked for Smart & Final as a security manager and investigator, retiring after more than 15 years.

Roy is survived by: his loving wife, Gayle Lammerman Wilkerson; five children, daughters Lori (Dean) Palmer, of San Antonio, Texas, Robin (Jon) Riley, of Mountain Home, Tina (Steven) Linderman, of Colton, Ore., sons James (Janeal) Wilkerson of St. George, Utah, Roy Wilkerson Jr. of Umatilla, Ore.; the children's mother, Lynn Ann Pettis Hull; step-daughter Sarah Wilkerson; 17 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and several half-sisters and numerous cousins.

He was preceded in death by both parents, spouse Susan Carol Wurst Wilkerson, and a brother, Richard "Dickie" Wilkerson.

Memorial services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 1150 N. 8th East St., in Mountain Home, at 2 p.m., on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014. Inurnment will follow at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery at 11 a.m., Monday, Nov. 24, 2014.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution can be made to the American Cancer Society or a charity of choice.