David Wilkey laid to rest

Army Specialist David Wilkey, a former Wilson man who was killed while serving in Iraq, was laid to rest Tuesday. Family and friends poured into St. John Neumann Church in Spalding to say their final goodbyes.

"He was a friend to everybody," his widow, Melinda Wilkey, told those at the service. "He was a great father, a wonderful husband. He had a passion for his family. He wanted a big family."

Wilkey was 22 years old when he died.

He joined the Army last January and had been serving in Iraq for four months before a roadside bomb exploded underneath him.

Tuesday, he was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service and the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in action.

Earlier in the day, Delta and Menominee emergency personnel, along with the Freedom Riders, led the funeral procession through downtown Escanaba along US-2 to Powers.

"The family has been very grateful for all the support that has been shown through the public and the military," said Tom Zerbel, the funeral director. "It's a team that has come together to help this family. It's very important to them."

Specialist Wilkey is survived by his wife, his stepson, and his 18 month old son. His wife is expecting another child in October.

From WLUC 6

Related Link:
David A. Wilkey Jr. 'died June 18 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an IED detonated near his unit June 17 in Baghdad'