Frank Wilkinson

Frank Wilkinson, 82, a retired Poplar Bluff teacher, guidance counselor and junior high school principal, passed away Friday, Dec. 11, 2015 at St. Luke's Hospital in St. Louis.

Mr. Wilkinson, the son of the late George Frank and Gusta Mary (Huggins) Wilkinson, was born June 14, 1933 in Pleasant Valley, Mo. He attended First United Methodist Church in Poplar Bluff. Mr. Wilkinson taught history, served as a guidance counselor and principal at Poplar Bluff Junior High School, retiring in December of 1992 after 32 plus years of service. He was dedicated to the school and former students and stayed in touch on Facebook. Mr. Wilkinson also served as a computer consultant for the school district until 2013. He was an active member and past officer and president of the Poplar Bluff Rotary Club, and was a member of Masonic Lodge #107 in Greenville and Masonic Lodge # 209 in Poplar Bluff. Mr. Wilkinson proudly served his country while in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1958. He enjoyed spending time with his family and staying active.

On Aug. 17, 1958, he married the former Norma LaFort in Waltham, Mass. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include two daughters: Dr. Dianne Senay and her husband Doug Senay of Overland Park, Ks. and Sheryl Nickless and her husband Greg Gidden of Fenton, Mo.; and two granddaughters: Anna Nickless and Elyse Nickless.

A sister, Dorothy Graham also preceded Mr. Wilkinson in death.

A Masonic Service will begin at 4:30 p.m. Monday with visitation following to 7:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Poplar Bluff. The funeral service will begin at 10 a.m. Tuesday in the church chapel with Rev. David Stewart officiating. Burial with full military honors will be at Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Wayne County. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, UCAN or American Heart Association.