Carl Wilkinson

Carl L. Wilkinson, 96, of Wood River, passed away on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at OSF St. Anthony's Hospital.

He was born on January 6, 1929, in Huzzah, MO, the son of Fred J. and Durcie M. (Huitt) Wilkinson. Carl married Retha Black in Potosi, MO, on April 20, 1946. She preceded him in death on November 30, 2018.

Carl worked for ER Barnes Sales in vending before going to work at Canteen Vending doing maintenance for over 40 years before his retirement. He was very particular about his work clothes, they had to be ironed with perfect creases on his pants. He was of the Baptist faith. Lucky, he was blessed with two grand prizes, his son, Carl, and a winning raffle ticket that got him a new Plymouth car. With a love of country music, he took his family to the Grand Ole Opry a few times, and to see Johnny Cash twice. As a child his and his parents and siblings would go to different churches to sing. Carl enjoyed going to dirt track races, sprint car racing, and watching drag racing with his son, where he witnessed Roger's first big money win. You could often find Carl at Golden Corral, as it was his favorite place to dine and he made many dinning friends there. Carl loved attention from family, waitresses, and the nurses who took care of him. Later in life, he enjoyed looking at old pictures to reminisce about the past at his family farm with his horses. Most of all, he loved spending time with his friends and family.

Survivors include his son, Roger (Joyce) Wilkinson of Hartford; siblings, James (Sara) Wilkinson of Wood River, Betty (Don) Haught of Missouri, and Fred (Helen) Wilkinson, Jr. of St. Charles, MO; his grandchildren, Sean (Mindy) Wilkinson, Dwaine Wilkinson, Tammy (Rick) Bailie, Kristy (fiancé Greg Sesti) Wilson, and Mike (Minette) Wilson; eight great-grandchildren; and 15 great-great-grandchildren.

Along with his parents, and wife, Retha, he was preceded in death by a sister, Verniece Adams.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, from 9:30 am until time of service at 11 am, at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto. Pastor Buddy Manley will officiate. Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens.

Memorials are suggested to 5A's.

Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.