David Wilkey

David Homer Wilkey of Denton, Texas, formerly of O’Fallon, born on May 3, 1947 in Nashville. David Wilkey passed away on Thursday April, 14 at 12:17 am from complications from long standing health problems. He was welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven by his mother, Bernice Eileen Longwell and his father, Charles William Longwell.

Dave was a loving and generous man who always looked on the lighter side of life regardless of the situation. He will always be remembered for his dedication to his family, his compassion for all of God’s creations, his intelligence, and his unwavering sense of humor.

Dave was a devoted husband to Dianne since their marriage on May 3, 1975. They raised three daughters together; Kimberly Antolini, Virginia Cathleen Simmons, and Esther Bernice Bourgeois. Dave and Dianne were honored to have three son-in-laws whom Dave loved and treated like his own; Roger Thomas Antolini, Jeffery David Simmons, and Chad Anthony Bourgeois. They were blessed with six grandchildren; Sydney Marie Antolini, Romeo William Antolini, Anna Grace Simmons, Gabrielle Virginia Bourgeois, Cora Jane Kimberly Bourgeois, and Augustus David Bourgeois. Dave’s children and grandchildren were his greatest joys in life. His pride in their accomplishments were known to all who met him. His grandchildren adore their Pop and he will forever be in their hearts.

Dave was also dedicated to his careers in both higher education and funeral services. His love of education started at McKendree College, where he graduated in 1968. Upon graduation he taught public school before beginning a long career in higher education. He served at Davis and Elkins College from 1978 to 1999 and at Lyon College from 1999 to 2003. His time in higher education was extremely rewarding to Dave as he was able to do what he loved most; help people. He found great satisfaction with the opportunities he had to guide young people through their college educations and into their adult lives. Once he retired from higher education in 2003 at the age of 56, he returned to school so that he could begin his second career as a funeral director. During his time at Kriegshauser Brothers Funeral Home and Schildknecht Funeral Home he was able to help people in a different capacity and he was honored to serve countless families.

Dave lived life to the fullest. Despite his numerous health conditions, he continued to live the best life that he could. He spent as much time as possible helping people in his community, spending time with his family, traveling as much as he could, and caring for his beloved dogs.

Pop will be loved and missed by all who knew him and they will always remember his quick wit, his love of laughter and music, and his uncanny ability to make all around him feel at ease and loved. The words of President Harry S. Truman sum up Dave’s outlook on life “A pessimist is one who makes difficulties of his opportunities and an optimist is one who makes opportunities of his difficulties.”

Rest in Eternal Peace our beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend.

Memorials may be made to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org; Christ the King Catholic High School, www.christthekinghs.com; Randolph County Humane Society, www.rchswv.org

Condolences and tributes may be extended to the family online at www.schildknechtfh.com

A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2016 from 9:00am – 10:00am at St. Ann Catholic Church, 631 S. Mill St., Nashville.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 10:00am at the church with Fr. Andrew Knopik officiating.

Burial will follow at St. Ann Catholic Cemetery, Nashville.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Schildknecht Funeral Home, O’Fallon.

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