Obituary of Gregory Wilkes

Gregory Allen Wilkes was born in Tallahassee, Florida on October 15, 1951. He was one of two boys born from the union of the late Gerald Wilkes and the late Dorothy (Daniels) Wilkes. Gregory married the former Valerie Jean Rankin. In addition to growing up in Florida, Gregory had lived in Texas for some eighteen years. For many years Gregory has made his home in Monroe. He had attended True Gospel Missionary Baptist Church. He had many hobbies and especially enjoyed the company of others and his family. His favorite pastime was spending time on the computer. Gregory was employed by several local companies, and he had also worked for three years for the BASF Company in the maintenance department. Gregory Allen Wilkes age 58 of Monroe passed away at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor on Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at 3:55pm. He had been in declining health for several months. In addition to his parents his passing was preceded by his wife Valerie Jean Wilkes on April 3, 2009. He leaves to cherish his memory four daughters: Leslie Wilkes of Monroe, Julie (Gary) Cochran of Monroe, Lisa Wilkes of Monroe, and Chasity Wilkes also of Monroe; one brother: Gorden Wilkes; and his twelve beloved grandchildren: Gabrielle, Isaiah, Makeim, Mariah, Miyah, Teressa, Corrinne, Machalla, Anthony, Kevin, and Marcus. Friends may gather from 5:00pm until 7:00pm, Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of His Life will take place at 7:00pm. Military rites will be accorded following his service by the Monroe Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1138. Cremation has taken place through Southern Michigan Services in Livonia, Michigan. In lieu of flowers memorial donations are suggested to the Wilkes family. For those desiring; online words of inspiration and comfort may be made by visiting www.merklefuneralservice.com and then selecting the Life Stories page.