LEONARD GILKERSON

LANDO LEONARD GILKERSON, JR., 85, of Beech Fork, W.Va., went to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at his home.  He was born June 19, 1932 to the late Lando and Ruby Queen Gilkerson. His son Lando Leonard “Lanny” Gilkerson, Jr. II also preceded him in death along with one grandson, Jessy Gilkerson. 

            Leonard started working at age 15 in the mines and later in timber. He then worked in Ohio and Michigan in car factories.  A U.S. Army Veteran, Leonard served in Korea as a sergeant in the 21st infantry during the Korean War.  He also worked at Terrell Tool and Die and then Connor’s Steel until his retirement.

            He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Hope Gilkerson, who has been his caregiver; one son, Tony (Lori) Gilkerson; one daughter Veronica (Paul) McComas, all of Beech Fork; grandsons, Glenn Gilkerson of Galt, Cal., Tracy Gilkerson of Elk Grove, Cal., and Jeremy McComas of Beech Fork; great grandchildren, Rachel Stevens of salt Rock, W.Va., Tom Gilkerson of Conn., Brendon Gilkerson, and Heyden Gilkerson, both of Galt, Cal.

            Also surviving are two sisters, Eadris Clay of east Lynn, W.Va., and Jean Adkins of Genoa, W.Va.; brothers-in-law, Harold (Jean) Merritt of Barboursville, W.Va., Linel Adkins of Lavalette, W.Va., and Freddie (Fannie) Merritt of Xenia, Oh.; sisters-in-law, Willowdean Bing of Barboursville, Barbara (Larry) Ackison of Virginia Beach, Va.; and many friends.      

            The family would like to extend a special thanks to the VA as well as Kevin Merritt for their care

Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Tuesday, February 27, 2018 at Johnson Tiller Funeral Home with Pastors Emual Adkins and Delmer Adkins officiating.  Burial will follow in the Gilkerson Family Cemetery.  Friends may call after 11 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

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