Joey Eldon Wilkinson, age 88, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away on July 24, 2026, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes, Indiana. He was surrounded by his family.
He was born on September 20, 1937, at his family residence in Mount Carmel, Illinois, to Hugh and Esther (Deisher) Wilkinson. Joey was the fourth child, of fourteen children.
Joey was a graduate of Mount Carmel High School, Class of 1956. Following his graduation, he served three years in the United States Army, with assignments in Germany and France.
He married Connie Sue (Anthis) Wilkinson on October 14, 1959. They had celebrated 33 years of marriage.
Throughout his career, he worked as a Master Mason Construction Professional, contributing to the construction of Mount Carmel High School, Wabash Valley College and numerous homes in Mount Carmel. He possessed expertise in masonry, including laying blocks and bricks, pouring concrete, and a variety of other skilled trade techniques.
Joey had a passion for outdoor activities, particularly hunting and hiking in wooded areas. He eagerly anticipated every opportunity to spend time outdoors. In his later years, he enjoyed crafting bows from various types of wood, participating in several competitions and earning multiple awards. Additionally, he appreciated visiting auctions and exploring museums such as the Red Skeleton and Military Museums in Vincennes, Indiana. He will be sincerely missed by his family and all who knew him.
Joey will be remembered by his daughters, Angela (Dennis) Love and Connie Jo Wilkinson of Mount Carmel, Illinois; Elizabeth (Wayne) Walker of Allendale, Illinois; and Priscilla Wilkinson of Francisco, Indiana. Son-in-law Dave Brown of Mount Carmel, Illinois, Chosen family, James Thomas (JT) of Vincennes, Indiana. Grandchildren: Everett “Bub” Bump Jr., Melissa Dowell, Dylan Brown, Caitlyn Scraper, David Walker, Barbara Walker, and Jason Walker. Great-Grandchildren: Michael Coslet, Matthew (Jayln) Dowell, Samantha Shoultz, Brienna Parrish, Andrew Parrish, Asha Perry-Walker, Kiera Walker, and Eli Walker. Siblings: Marshall Wilkinson, Kenneth (Linda) Wilkinson, and Gilbert (Alice) Wilkinson of Mount Carmel, IL; Larry Wilkinson and Danny Wilkinson of Albion, IL; Tim Wilkinson of Cisne, IL; Barbara (Bill) Bader of South Carolina; Doris Ernest of Murphysboro, IL; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Connie Sue Wilkinson, his daughter Consuelo Brown, four great-grandchildren; Makayla Bare, Dakota Bare, Tylor Brown and Chole Walker, and his siblings Joanna Killingsworth, Lula Alice Wilkinson, Charles Wilkinson, Rick Wilkinson, and Clifford Virgil Wilkinson.
In keeping with Joey’s wishes, he will be cremated and no formal services are planned at this time.
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