David Wilkes

David "Dave" A. Wilkes, 88, died Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at Kingston of Vermilion after a short illness.

Dave made his first appearance at St. Joseph’s hospital on February 25, 1935, born to Arthur and Geraldine (nee Johnson) Wilkes. A lifelong resident of Vermilion, Dave grew up on Huron Street, a backyard away from the lake, where he met and played with his lifelong friends and learned to swim in the Vermilion River. As a young boy he was a “jumper” on both the wholesale and retail milk routes for Maurer Dairy. He started his profession as a mechanic at Klye’s Garage before transitioning to a long career with Yellow Freight in Richfield.

Dave married his beloved wife Pearl “Ginny” Wilkes (nee Tarrant) in 1956 at the Congregational Church and went on to raise three children. He was a generous and dedicated family man that always put others first. Dave lived by the Golden Rule and instilled this with children and grandchildren. A voracious reader, history buff, bird watcher, stamp and antique collector, he was full to the brim with knowledge gained through all his life experiences - he could fix anything! After retirement he enjoyed traveling with Ginny to Civil War sites and volunteering as camp host at various state parks in Florida.

Vermilion was home and he cared deeply about the people that lived here. Dave was generous with his time to help others in the community. He served as Captain for the Vermilion and VOL Fire Departments and helped organize numerous blood drives and charitable fundraisers.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Pearl “Ginny" Wilkes; daughter, Lisa (Dale) Brenstuhl; son, Keith (Kathleen) Wilkes; grandchildren, Nicole (Joseph) Staszak, Keith Wilkes, Jr, and Kaitlyn (Holly) Wilkes; and great grandchildren, Brooklyn, Allison, Cohen and Vera.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Lynn Ann Sacket in 2017; parents Arthur and Geraldine (nee Johnson) Wilkes; and his sister, Patricia (Jack) Sanders.

He was quiet, hardworking, fair, and generous and will be remembered for the heart he shared with his friends and family. He truly loved each of them. When his time came, he carried himself with dignity, strength, and full of love for those who went before him. He will be missed dearly.

The family will receive friends on Monday, July 31, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 12 Noon at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, Ohio.  Interment will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, Vermilion.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Vermilion History Museum, 727 Grand St., Vermilion ,OH 44089.

Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.