STERLING - Donald L. Wilkinson, 84, of Sterling, died Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015, at his home.

Born June 22, 1931, in Melbourne, Missouri,he was a son of Lloyd and Ardith (Chambers) Wilkinson. He was united in marriage to Mary Green on Augst 4, 1951, in Rock Falls. Don served in the Marine Corps from 1951 to 1953. He retired from national Manufacturing Co. after 49 years of service. Don attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Forth Worth, Texas, and graduated in 1963. He pastored New Hope Baptist Church in Nachusa, and served as guest pastor at Como Baptist Church and Maranatha Baptist Church. Don attended First Open Bible Church and Harvest Time Bible Church, both in Rock Falls. He loved to preach, and was an avid carpenter who loved building things in his spare time. 

Surviving are his wife of 64 years, Mary of Sterling; daughters, Mary Christine (Brian) Moore of Dixon and Penny K Rolland of Sterling; son, Donald R. (Karen) Wilkinson of Elgin; seven grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren, and one on the way; a sister, Carolina Johnson of Spokane, Washington; and two brothers, Harol (Joann) Wilkinson of Sterling and Clarence (Damaris) Wilkinson of Rock Falls.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Ellen.

Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday and the funeral at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at First Open Bible Church in Rock Falls, with Les Funderberg, pastor, officiating. Cremation rites will be accorded after the funeral. McDonald Funeral Home & Crematory in Rock Falls is handling arrangements.

A memorial has been established.

Visit mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com to send condolences.