James Homer Wilkes, of Crocker, was born on October 6, 1937, at Crocker, the son of Dillard John and Lona Elsie (Burnett) Wilkes and departed this life at 4:45 a.m., Monday morning, May 8, 2017, in the Life Care Center of Waynesville, following a brief illness. Homer had attained the age of 79 years, 7 months, and 2 days.

Homer was united in marriage on September 21, 1957, at Iberia, to Marilyn June Marso and to this union three daughters were born. He was preceded in death by his wife on November 16, 2012 his father in 1965; his mother in 1973; two brothers, Snowden Wilkes and Wayne Wilkes and seven sisters, Florene Routh, Sharon Kay Kloeppel, Evelyn Wilkes, Bonnie Wilkes, Barbara Wilkes, Jacqueline Wilkes and Betty Jo Street.

Homer was a member of the Hilltop Christian Union Church in Crocker and we know his soul is secured. He worked in road maintenance for MODOT, retiring after 31 years of service. Homer enjoyed horseback riding and dearly loved his horse, Smokey, that he raised from a colt. They rode the trails together for 26 years. In 1971 he and Marilyn bought the land and built the house where they lived until their deaths. Homer enjoyed his farm, clearing the land, fencing, and raising cattle. After the passing of Marilyn, Homer had a lot to learn about housekeeping and with the help of his daughters he learned to clean, vacuum, do laundry and even canned green beans. Most of all Homer loved his family. Through the passing of years, and as the family grew, one thing remained constant. Every Sunday some or all of the family gathered for Sunday dinner.

Those left to mourn the passing of Homer include: three daughters and one son-in-law, Sherry McDowell, Crocker; Gayla and Harold Smith, Richland and Carla Meyer, Crocker; one brother and sister-in-law, Gary Don and Dolores Wilkes, Crocker; two sisters-in-law, Cheryl Wilkes and Norma Howell; five grandchildren; Amanda McDowell (Max), Melinda McDowell (Darren), Scott (Burgandy) Nelson, Dana (Brian) Strain and Daniel McDowell; one step granddaughter, Amber Fischer, 7 great-grandchildren, Christopher and Ryan Nelson, Jesse and Josh Goldsmith, Adam Bowling, Reid Strain, and Maci McDowell; 2 step great-grandchildren, Dawsyn and Sarah Weber; his special friend, Betty Wilkerson and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were conducted for Homer at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 10, 2017, in the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Chapel, Crocker with Bro. Bill Claiborn, Hilltop Christian Union Church, Crocker and Larry Richardson, Crocker Christian Church, officiating.

Interment was in the Crocker Cemetery under the direction of the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Crocker. Pallbearers for Homer were Steve Street, Jerry Kloeppel, JohnWayne Routh, Joe Don Wilkes, Dale Wilkes and Scott Nelson. Honorary pallbearers were Ronnie Skaggs, Gary Thornsberry and Scott Wilkes.

Memorial contributions are suggested by the family to the Crocker Senior Center with envelopes available at the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Crocker.