Frank May Wilkerson

June 21, 1926 – July 18, 2026

Frank May Wilkerson was born to Ralph and Gladys Wilkerson in Lovell June 21, 1926, and was welcomed home by his Savior on July 18, 2026, just four weeks after achieving his longtime goal to live to be 100 years old.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Gladys; siblings La Rose, Gene, Helen, his twin Fred, Mary Jane, Ralph and Gladys; daughter-in-law Mona; and his sweetheart, Billie.

He is survived by his sister, Lucy Parkinson; children Frank (Tammy), Michael (Charlotte), Steven (Susie), Dean, Roger (Brenda) and David (Susan); many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and even a few great-great-grandchildren.

He will be remembered by his family, his church congregation and others whose lives he touched in service throughout his life.  

Frank lived nearly his whole life in Lovell, where he spent his childhood down by the canal fishing and swimming with his twin and out in his father’s beautiful flower beds. Frank’s father was a talented gardener, a skill that Frank learned and applied throughout his life. His grandchildren have fond memories eating the fruits of his labor and some not so fond memories of weeding right alongside their grandpa and grandma.

At 18 Frank and his twin brother Fred enlisted in the U.S. Navy to serve in the Pacific Theater of World War II. Frank’s early years bird hunting earned him the position of Quad 40 Gunner on the USS Jerauld, where his twin was his First Loader. Later in life Frank reflected on his gratitude for his brother in those long months at sea, saying that other sailors were often homesick and miserable, but he had brought part of his home along with him.

When Frank returned from the war he attended BYU in Provo, Utah. While in Utah he met his sweetheart and future wife, Billie Dean Buchannan. Frank and Billie shared many a love letter in the time that they were courting, some letters exchanged daily and often sealed with a kiss. Frank and Billie were sealed for time and eternity in the Logan, Utah Temple on July 6, 1948, after which he moved her to Lovell, and they began a marriage that would last 72 years until her passing in April of 2020. When asked earlier this year about the secret to a long and happy marriage, Frank said, “lots of kisses.”

Frank and Billie began their family of six rowdy boys in 1949. The boys fondly remember big, magical Christmases and camping, fishing and hunting with their dad. Grandchildren remember evenings eating popcorn, dressing as Christmas elves to his Santa Claus and picking raspberries with him out of his garden.

As an avid outdoorsman Frank participated in and enjoyed the pursuit of many animals – beaver, pheasant, duck, grouse, deer and elk – and fishing on the ocean, lake, river or stream. Pursuit of a fish took Frank, Billie and the boys from Mexico through Canada to Alaska, where, in his own words, “I always caught the biggest fish.”

In the 80s Frank and his brothers purchased a cabin on the North Fork of the Shoshone River. Here Frank and Billie spent many happy hours in the summer, enjoying the peace of the forest and at hunting camp in the fall. Frank hunted from this cabin for many years, creating special memories with his brothers, sons, grandchildren and nephews.

Frank’s life was characterized by service and his love of the Lord. He readily shared his testimony of Christ and served his church congregation, accepting many callings throughout the years. His 11-year service as a scoutmaster to the Boy Scouts brought him particular joy as it allowed him to teach a new generation skills of self-sufficiency and appreciation of the outdoors.

Together Frank and Billie served four full-time missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the England-Leeds mission; Palmyra, New York; Nauvoo, Illinois; and a Family History service mission. At each opportunity for service Frank used his natural charm to make friends, some they would come to call family that the couple would cherish for a lifetime.

He set an example for his sons and grandchildren of lifelong hard work. Frank was proudly employed for 41 years by Marathon Oil, and after retirement he couldn’t stay idle for long. He had several odd jobs that kept him busy right up until he was 93 years old. 

Outside of employment he labored with love in his vegetable garden and kept his yard and fruit trees beautiful. He was ready and available to help his sons any time they would ask, happily working alongside them splitting wood, mending fence or giving a priesthood blessing into his early 90s.

Frank brought an infectious smile and a laugh everywhere he went. He and Billie went on many adventures, camping, vacations with friends and ambitious trips toting three or more grandchildren. As a born story teller Frank had a “fish story” to tell about all of them, and he loved a rapt audience. If ever his tale got too tall or too far from the truth Billie was right there to set him straight.

After six years without her, Frank rejoined his Honey in the hereafter, where the two will most likely continue to work together, serve each other and grow in love through the eternities.

A viewing will take place Friday, July 24, at 1 p.m. with a funeral service to follow at 2 p.m. at the Lovell Stake Center.