01/19/2012
Herman Sylvester Wilkes, 81, of Knoxville, passed away Thursday, January 19, 2012.
He was born to Myron and Lola (Bowery) Wilkes on January 13, 1931, in Grand Rapids,
Michigan.
Herman graduated from Knoxville High School, class of 1950. He served in the United
States Army from 1951 to 1953, during the Korean War.
On December 31, 1950, in Knoxville Herman married Regena Pauline Des Camp. They were
married for 61 years and blessed with two children: Cathy and Connie.
After his service Herman farmed for 20 years. After farming, he worked as a park
officer for Robert’s Creek Park for 21 years. Herman was very active all his life.
He enjoyed his family; he was a Knoxville American Legion Member; he enjoyed woodworking,
and the Iowa Hawkeyes football and basketball.
Herman is survived by his wife Regena Wilkes of Knoxville; his two daughters Cathy
Musical (Kenny) Schaefer of Diagonal, Iowa, and Connie (Steve) Williams of Knoxville;
5 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren.
Herman is also survived by one sister Catherine (Robert) Mylod of Delaware; plus
other relatives.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers David and Myron Wilkes,
Jr.