- Date Of Birth: February 15, 1937
- Date Of Death: August 15, 2017
- State: Illinois
Nelson Ray Wilkey, 80 of Centralia, passed away Tuesday, August 15, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born February 15, 1937 in Belle Rive, son of Virgil Wilkey and Dorothy (Richardson) Wilkey.
He married Phyllis M. Newcomb on February 14, 1962 and she survives in Centralia. In addition to his wife of 55 years, he is survived by three children: Nelson Dean Wilkey and wife Shana of Scribner, Nebraska, Frances Wilkey of Centralia, and Tammy Daum of Centralia; Five grandchildren: Jill Newman of Salem, Jeffery Wilkey of Omaha, Nebraska, Kelee Wilkey of Lawrence, Kansas, Chelsey Reed of Centralia, and Kimberly Daum of Centralia; a great-granddaughter: Baylee-Ann Webster of Salem; a nephew: Ronald Gene Wilkey, Jr. and wife Donna of Bluford, IL; best friends: Ron Fisher of Centralia, Tom Simpson of Centralia, and Derek Webster of Salem.
He was preceded in death by his parents, step-father: Harold Gowler, a brother: Ronald Gene Wilkey, Sr., and mother-in-law and father-in-law: Doy and Fae Newcomb. Nelson served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He worked as a Truck Driver for 20 years and also worked for Depew and Owens for 5 plus years. He was a member of Fouts Christian Church in Centralia. He enjoyed woodworking and watching John Wayne westerns. Nelson’s greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family, grandchildren, and friends.
