David Wilkerson

David Franklin Wilkerson, better known as Frank, Mr. Frank or Dave, now rests in the care of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. On Friday, July 25, 2025 he unexpectedly passed away at home, in Evart, at the age of 83.

Frank was born February 9, 1942 in Fisk, MO to Samuel D. and Jeanette (Smith) Wilkerson. After the passing of his parents, at a young age, he was raised by his half sister, Ruth and husband, Ralph Fort.

Frank graduated from Farwell High School in 1959 and immediately entered the workforce at Holly Carburetor in Clare, then to Grand Rapids making golf clubs, and shortly thereafter, at the O-So Beverage Plant in Clare. On July 15, 1961 he married Marie Carmichael, in Evart and they raised their family in the Clarkston area. After marriage to Marie he took a job with a road construction crew. In February 1962 he accepted a job at Pontiac Motors, now GM where he was a member of the Union. After two years of working on the assembly line, he was accepted into the skilled trades program, from which he retired in May 1993, as a metal model maker. Frank “Dave” made lifelong friends who have taken trips, attended special lunches and held summer picnics.

In 1966, Frank was drafted into the US Army, completed basic training in Fort Knox, KY and survival training in Fort Polk, LA, before being sent to Vietnam. He served in the First Cavalry Division, earning a bronze star. Frank was honorably discharged in 1968 and fulfilled his obligations in the reserves until 1972. Frank was a member of Evart VFW Post 7979 and truly honored to participate in the spring 2022 Mid Michigan Honor Flight. He was honored to have son Bradley as his guardian for the trip. He also was fortunate to have brother in-laws, Ned Carmichael and Herb Johnson traveling with him as well as Herb’s brother, Ralph Johnson.

In 1982, Frank and Marie built their retirement home south of Evart. Marie’s parents occupied the home until their deaths. In 1993, Frank and Marie made it their permanent residence where neighbors and friends became a part of Frank’s life. He was more than willing to do odd jobs for farmers and friends in his workshop/barn. He was an avid Deer Hunter who opened his doors every season to “the freeloaders”. Since the early 80’s, Frank & Marie have traveled on annual adventures, with a special group of friends, to various places including: houseboats, cruises, VRBO’s and made wonderful memories.

Frank enjoyed restoring old tractors and seldom missed the Buckley Old Engine Show. One might say he was addicted to auctions and swap meets. Participating in so many by Currie Auction Service, he was specifically given a laminated #43. He was self-sustaining, could fix anything and never had to call a handyman until his later years. He made miniature workable cannons, one for each son, large doll houses for his grandkids and a miniature steam engine that also functions. Frank repaired an old windmill and placed it on the original property where he hunted.

He was a practical jokester, who loved to visit and was a good provider. As careful as he took care of the bees he tended throughout the years, he took care of his family. He was critical of his boys when he knew they could do better. He also knew it was in their best interest to instill in them core values, such as: hard work, problem solving and diligence.

Frank is survived by: his beloved wife of 64 years Marie of Evart; two sons, Bradley (Michi) Wilkerson of Evart and Brett (Tracey) Wilkerson of Painted Post, NY, who he was very proud of; grandchildren, Colleen Davis, David (Brea) Wilkerson, and Alison Wilkerson all of Georgia, and Andrew & Abigail Wilkerson of NY; great grandchildren, Nash, Brealeigh and Beau Franklin Wilkerson; two sisters, Jeanetta Birkenmeier of Caro and Francis Grove of Farwell; brothers-in-law, James (Judy) and Nedro (Reta) Carmichael and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

Frank was preceded in death by: an infant son: his sister, Ruth (Ralph) Fort; brothers, Charles Samuel, Harold (Nina) and Elmer (Betty) Wilkerson; his parents, Samuel and Jeanette; his mother and father-in-law, Stewart (Lulu) Carmichael; sisters-in-law, June (Maurice) Corey and Edna (Herb) Johnson; brother-in-law, Edwin (Linda) Carmichael and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation for family and friends will be held from 2PM to 4PM and 6PM to 8PM on Tuesday, July 29th at Corey Funeral Home in Evart and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday, July 30th, Noon (12PM) until 1PM. Services with military honors will be held at 1PM at Corey’s with Pastor Mike Dunn officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Mid-Michigan Honor Flight, midmichiganhonorflight.org , PO Box 98 Gowen, MI 49326