Lynette M. Wilkinson, of O’Fallon, IL, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, IL.
Born on August 17, 1939, in Ste. Genevieve, MO, Lynette grew up with a love for learning and an adventurous spirit. During her late teenage years, she was honored to represent St. Louis in the 1958 New Year’s Day Rose Bowl Parade. Having been selected by readers of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, she rode as the main attraction atop the city’s float, Childhood Adventures, which won the prestigious National Trophy awarded to the most beautiful float in the parade.
She pursued her passion for education at Southeast Missouri State University, earning a teaching degree. She especially cherished her years teaching first grade in Victorville, CA, and Bitburg, Germany.
On July 15, 1961, Lynette married the love of her life, Jim Wilkinson, in Festus, MO. Together, they built a life centered around the family. As the devoted wife of a fighter pilot, she embraced the unique experiences and challenges that came with 16 years of military life, making lifelong friendships along the way.
Family was always the heart of Lynette’s world. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Jim Wilkinson of O’Fallon, IL; her children, Todd Wilkinson of St. Louis, Brent Wilkinson of Peabody, MA, and Paige Wilkinson of St. Louis; and her beloved grandchildren, Katie Ferri, Kelsey Sanda, Jay Wilkinson, Aidan Wilkinson, Alex Wilkinson, and Joe Wilkinson.
She was preceded in death by her parents, E.M. Stites and Olivia Kist.
Beyond her devotion to family, Lynette found joy in handcrafts, genealogy, and reading. She possessed a prodigious memory for family history, personal events, and the innumerable friends of the family, always recalling details that strengthened the bonds between generations.
Lynette’s dedication to her loving family, God, truth, and country will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Online condolences may be shared at www.baslerfuneralhome.com