Terry P. Wilkinson

Terry P. Wilkinson, 75, of Huntington, IN, returned to his heavenly home on Sunday, July 30, 2023, at 12:50 a.m. surrounded by his loving family. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggles and ultimately gave him peace. Terry was born on December 13, 1947, in Ft. Wayne, IN, the son of the late Robert Wilkinson and Mary (Bowser) Wilkinson. He graduated from Columbia City Joint High School with the class of 1966 and proudly enlisted in the United States Navy. Terry served during the Vietnam War with the Navy SeaBees from 1969-1970 and continued to serve in the Naval Reserves until 1974. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in 1983 and went on to receive his Master’s Degree in business management from Indiana Institute of Technology of Fort Wayne, IN in 1984. He was a dedicated supervisor at Dana Corporation of Fort Wayne, for 33 years before retiring in 2000. Terry married Kathryn M. Bowers on March 28, 2008, in Sebastian, FL. Terry was a member of the VFW Post 5582 and American Legion Post 98 both of Columbia City, IN. He felt strongly in giving back to the community and he was grateful to be a part of starting up the Food Pantry in Wolfe Lake, IN. Terry liked sports such as track, softball, bowling, fishing, and was always up for a game of cards. He enjoyed being outside in the sunshine and sitting on his swing in his backyard. Terry loved his big family and felt blessed with all of the memories he was able to make with each one of them. Survivors include his loving wife, Kathryn M. Wilkinson of Huntington, IN; three daughters, Dedra (Jeffrey) Wilkinson Gay of Fort Wayne, IN, Sylvia (Timothy) Wilkinson Tumbleson of Columbia City, IN, Dede (Chad) Wilkinson-Jones of Columbia City, IN; two sons, Scott (Sherry) Wilkinson of Columbia City, IN, Tony (Erika) Wilkinson of Roanoke, IN; stepdaughter, Kimberly (Tom) Bartrom of Huntington, IN; sister, Rhonda (Robert) Wilkinson-Happ of Fort Wayne, IN; twenty-one grandchildren; twenty-five great grandchildren; two great uncles, Paul (Sue) Wilkinson of IN, Larry Wilkinson of TX; aunt, Martha Willoughby of IN; sister in-law, Betty Wilkinson of Columbia City, IN; and many cousins. He is preceded in death by his father, Robert Clifford Wilkinson, mother, Mary Elaine Wilkinson, brother, Steven Wilkinson, stepson, Brent E. Bowman, and his loving dogs, Cheyenne, T, Missy, Sophie and, Smoky. Visitation will be from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington, IN. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Thursday, August 3, 2023, at Bailey-Love Mortuary with Dale Wilkinson and Chaplain Michael Deter officiating. There will be one hour of visitation prior to the service. Burial will be in Union Cemetery in Huntington. Military Honors will be conducted by the American Legion Post #47 Honor Guard of Fort Wayne, IN, at the cemetery and the American Legion Riders of Huntington, IN will present flags outside at Bailey-Love Mortuary. Preferred memorials to the Whitley County Humane Shelter or Living Waters Wolfe Lake Food Pantry, in care of Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington, IN, 46750. Please sign the online guest book at www.baileylove.com. Bailey-Love Mortuary is honored to serve the family of Terry P. Wilkinson.

Terry P. Wilkinson

December 13, 1947 - July 30, 2023