Ralph Chester Wilkerson

Ralph C. Wilkerson, Jr., 65, Marysville, KS, passed away December 28, 2008 at his home. A Celebration of Life was held at 11 a.m., Friday, January 2, 2009 at the Memorial Presbyterian Church in Marysville. The Rev. Marilyn Wullschleger officiated. A private burial will be held at a later date in Leavenworth, KS. Ralph was born in Leavenworth, KS, on February 20, 1943, the only child of Ralph and Betty (Short) Wilkerson. Ralph graduated from Leavenworth High School in 1961. He then attended Kansas State University and received a BA in 1969 and Masters of Education in 1978. He "bled Purple" and influenced his wife, son and daughter to also receive degrees from KSU. Ralph was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon and enjoyed keeping in touch with his fraternity brothers at KSU events. Before starting his career in education, Ralph was a police officer in Leavenworth. Ralph was a life-long learner and instilled in those around him the benefits of a good education. His love of learning led him to his career as first a science teacher in Junction City, KS, and then a high school principal in Minneola, Ness City and Marysville, KS, where he retired in 1995. In his spare time, Ralph played racquetball, apprenticed as a horologist, perfected his golf swing, spent countless hours in the garden and enjoyed his retirement job as a blackjack dealer. Family was always important to Ralph and he spent many years compiling family history and re-connecting with distant relatives. Ralph always had a sense of humor and enjoyed classic comedy, such as I Love Lucy, the Beverly Hillbillies and W.C. Fields. Christmas was one of his favorite holidays and he would put up as many trees as space would allow. He loved Christmas so much that some year's decorations were up as late as March! He was active in the Lions Club, a member of the Arab Shrine, a Meals-on-Wheels driver and was on the board of the local Habitat for Humanity. In 2005, he traveled to New Orleans with the American Red Cross to help clean up the city after Hurricane Katrina. He was a strong Democrat and even when confined to bed, made sure he voted in the local elections with an absentee ballot. He believed that good deeds were rewarded with good deeds and that it was a neighbors' job to look out for one another. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Mary Leigh Wilkerson of Marysville, KS; one son, Robert Wilkerson and wife Charla, grandchildren, Zoe and William of Alexandria, VA, and one daughter, Rachael Gordon and husband Jeff of Kansas City, MO. A memorial fund has been established to Meadowlark Hospice or Habitat for Humanity. Contributions may be sent in care of Kinsley Mortuary. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ralph Chester Wilkerson, please visit our flower store.