Louis "J.R." Wilkerson, Jr., age 75 of Bloomington, passed away peacefully at 1:21 AM on Monday, September 30, 2024, at Brown County Health and Living in Nashville. He was born in Princeton on December 10, 1948, the son of Louis, Sr. and Mary (Carnahan) Wilkerson.

Following high school, J.R. was awarded a National Merit Scholarship to college, but chose to serve our country in the United States Navy and fought in the Vietnam war. He worked at NSWC Crane as a Firefighter EMT for 21 years. He was a Life-Member of the VF.W. Post #2714 in Ft. Branch. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #0061 in Shoals.

He loved to camp and fish his whole life. He had 3 step-children he loved as his own. Through the years he was their softball coach.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 35 years, Joan (Russell) Wilkerson; daughter, Misty (Brian) Newcomb of The Villages, Florida; son, Sean (Nikki) Wilkerson of Gold Bar, Washington; son, William (Ginny) Gayso, Jr. of Palestine, Texas; son, Brian Gayso of Sandborn; daughter, Angie Koons of Greenwood; two sisters, Alice Thomas of Owensville and Brenda Peach of Petersburg; two brothers, Jeff (Michelle) Wilkerson of Griffin and Fred Wilkerson of Owensville; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Kevin Wilkerson; and a sister, Dana Robinson.

Military Honors and memorial service will be held at Welch & Cornett Funeral Home, 140 E. Vincennes St., Linton, Indiana at 2:00 PM on Sunday, October 6, 2024, with Jeff Fulk officiating.

Visitation will be held Sunday from 1:00 PM until the time of service.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be shared with J.R.'s family at www.welchcornett.com.