Robert L. Wilkes, 69, of Mount Vernon, Illinois passed away at 10:50 A.M. September 19, 2017 at Nature Trail Health Care Center in Mount Vernon, Illinois. He was born December 28, 1947 in Piggott, Arkansas to the late Sterling and Alice (Vaughn) Wilkes. Robert married Joan Minter Blackford on January 24, 2001 in Mount Vernon, Illinois. They were blessed with 16 years of marriage.

Robert is survived by his wife, Joan Wilkes of Mount Vernon, Illinois; sons, Steven Wilkes of Illinois, Devin Wilkes of Mount Vernon, Illinois, and Greg Blackford and wife, Angie of Mount Vernon, Illinois; grandchildren, Clay Blackford and wife, Ashley, Logan Blackford, and Dylan Blackford; great-grandchildren, Hayden Blackford and Parker Blackford; siblings, James Wilkes and wife, Patricia of Memphis, Tennessee, Leonard Wilkes of Sandoval, Illinois, Beulah Crunk of Odin, Illinois, Joyce Owen of Saint Peters, Missouri, Shirley Pinkowski of Odin, Illinois, Wilma Jordan and husband, Ronnie of Sandoval, Illinois,Kahleen Alcorn and husband Craig of Irvington, Illinois, and Linda Lemarr of Salem, Illinois; sisters-in-law, Carol Wilkes of Saint Peters, Missouri, Martha Wilkes of Sandoval, Illinois, and Verna Locke and husband, Gary of Senatobia, Mississippi; special friends, Leon and Judy Peacock of Cordova, Tennessee and Julie Stanart of Mount Vernon, Illinois; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his daughter, Marcie Wilkes; brothers, Gerald Wilkes, Kenneth Wilkes, and Dennis Wilkes; brother-in-law, Terry Pinkowski; nephews, Kevin Reese and Mitchell Jourdan; and mother-in-law, Jewel Minter.

Robert proudly served his country in the United States Navy. He was a member of Central Christian Church in Mount Vernon. Robert’s greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends. He was dearly loved and will be missed by all who knew him.

A Visitation will be held Saturday, September 23, 2017 from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, Illinois. The Funeral Service will begin at 7:00 P.M. with Mr. Randy Sells officiating. The American Legion Post #141 will conduct the Military Flag Presentation at the service. Memorials may be made to the Devin Wilkes College Fund in care of Greg Blackford.

Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.