Eldon Thomas Wilkerson, 92, of Carthage, Texas, passed away on Saturday evening, April 12, 2025, in Bossier City, Louisiana. He was born on August 12, 1932, in Gary, Texas to the late William Thomas and Elvira Thomas Wilkerson. Eldon served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War from 1951-1955, at which time he was honorably discharged. He married Rosemary Edith Swagger on April 6, 1956, in Vancouver, Washington and she preceded him in death on May 17, 2014, after 58 years together. Mr. Wilkerson worked in maintenance for Wolfe Sunbeam Baking in Shreveport until his retirement. Eldon was a jack of all trades and could do anything he set his mind to. He used those skills as a volunteer for the 100 Men of East Texas, a group that serves the underprivileged in area communities. Eldon was longtime member of the Friendship Baptist Church in the Riderville Community of Panola County, Texas. In addition to his parents and wife, he was also preceded in death by sons, Walter and Darrell Douglas; brothers, Wallace, Royce, Wilton, and Harold Wilkerson; sisters, Opal Ruth Allwhite, Wilma Cope, Grace Nester, and Kathleen Wilkerson; and son-in-law, Clifford Robinson.

He is survived by his daughters, Marylou Havelaar and husband Ron and Sharron Robinson; daughter-in-law, Betsy Douglas; grandchildren, Michelle, Julie, Christy, Anthony, Stefanie, Ersala, Brian, and Wendy; numerous great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Margaret Wilkerson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

A graveside service with Military Honors will be held at a 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Friendship Cemertery with Bro. Bob Scott officiating under the direction of Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home.

Pallbearers are Chip Pike, James McDaniel, James Gage, Edward Taylor, Ethan Chandler, and Dusty Cope. Honorary pallbearers are Ambrose Taylor, Gregory Tyer, and Keith Edgmon.

Memorials may be made to Friendship Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1530, Carthage, Texas 75633 or to the 100 Men of East Texas, P.O. Box 172, Carthage, Texas 75633.

A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.