Freddie Wilkinson

Freddie G. Wilkinson, 80, of Jackson passed away Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

He was born June 16, 1932, in Jackson, son of Lawrence F. and Mattie K. Kurre Wilkinson. He and Mary Ward Morton were married in October 2010. 

Freddie graduated from Jackson High School in 1949. He served in the U.S. Army and was discharged in 1953. He owned and operated Wilkinson Auto Body, and was well known in the community for his perfection and precision in the restoration of vehicles. He had a collection of historical cars which he had restored. He enjoyed participating in car shows, which resulted in numerous trophies. Freddie was a farmer in the Millersville area, and in 1986 built his own home west of Millersville. He was a member of the West View Masonic Lodge No. 103 in Millersville. He particularly enjoyed looking through old photos and remembering the "old days" with family and friends.

Loving survivors include his wife, Mary; a sister, Evelyn (Dale) Bowers of Herrin, Ill.; two stepdaughters, Pat (Steve) Golden and Kathy Nicholas of Jackson; three stepgrandchildren, Shawn and Chad Golden and Casey Nicholas of Jackson; four nephews, Allen and George Sample of Cape Girardeau, Rickey Bowers of Johnston City, Ill., and Ronald Bowers of Herrin; a great-niece, Jennifer Arnold of Olive Branch, Ill.; and five great-stepgrandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Virginia Sample in 2001; a niece, Karen Burton in 2004; and a great-niece, Ria Bowers in 2004.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the chapel of McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson, with a Masonic service at 7 p.m.

The funeral at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Steven Koerner officiating. Interment will be in New Salem Cemetery near Daisy.

The family suggests that memorials be made to the Alzheimer's Association or West View Masonic Lodge No. 103 in Millersville.

Sympathy messages may be sent to the family online at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.