George Harold Wilkes

George Harold "Hap" Wilkes, or "Pappy" as nearly everyone called him, made his departure on Oct. 31, 2015, at age 97. He surely would have had something witty to say about this, such as "Well, that takes the crocheted water bucket." His wife of 76 years, Dorothy "Granny" Wilkes, was by his side along with Joyce, Leah, Liza and Laura Followell. 

He fondly referred to his wife as "Dossy." They met at a dance in 1934, where she showed up in a bright blue dress with a beautiful smile. He knew then that he would marry her. Determined and hardheaded at times, he often walked from Jasonville, Ind., to Sullivan just to see her. This is one example of how he overcame barriers. He lived a rough life as a child. He jokingly told his daughter that his family was so hungry, they tied a string onto a hot dog and took turns swallowing it, just to make sure she understood the hardships. He made sure his children never experienced that kind of life. He proudly worked hard, holding down many jobs while also working full-time at Pfizer, from which he retired after more than 25 years. He had a wicked sense of humor and made people laugh with his wittiness. Once, when he was tired of his daughter asking her mom how her hair looked, he said he'd seen better hair on bacon.

His children still laugh at the nicknames he gave them: Susie "Sud" Staley (Gary); Norma Jean "Doc" Unger (late Larry); John "Thunder Plunk" Wilkes (Connie); Joyce Ann "Juicy" Followell (late Tom); and Brian "Jughead" Wilkes. The five children helped build their dad's legacy by giving him 20 grandkids, 34 great-grandkids and two great-great-granddaughters.

He loved to garden and grew tasty tomatoes, which he shared with numerous neighbors, friends and family. He loved to fish with his late best buddy, Tom Billingsley. He loved watching sports, especially the Big Ten college teams. He played high school football for Shakamak, No. 37; and he golfed, once winning a Pfizer golf tournament.

He was born on July 9, 1918, to John and Jenny Wilkes in Jasonville. He had a younger, brother, Robert Wilkes, with whom he shared many adventures.

Only Pappy would choose the week of the World Series to leave, and on Halloween at that. The St. Louis Cardinals just couldn't pull it off for him this year. His family loved him and they hope he has fishing available wherever he goes! In Pappy’s words, “Good deal, Lucille.”

Services will be held later. Condolences can be left at: condolences@brustfamilyfh.com

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