Bobby Lee Wilkerson

In Loving Memory of Bobby Lee Wilkerson

Bobby Lee Wilkerson, a hardworking man who loved his family, his Missouri roots, and a good place to eat, passed away surrounded by his family on June 18, 2025, at the age of 84.

Born on December 15, 1940, in Climax Springs, Missouri, Bobby moved to Kansas City in 1959. He spent over 31 years working at Ford, starting on the assembly line and working his way up to quality control. He was known for his hard work, his onery streak, and his many side hustles.

Outside of his job at Ford, Bobby never stopped working. He owned used car lots, selling cars he’d bought at auctions, and at one point even bought a dump truck to deliver asphalt during layoffs. On weekends, he’d return to the Ozarks, cut firewood, and haul it back to Kansas City to sell. His sons helped with the cars and the wood, learning the value of hard work from their dad.

Bobby retired in 1990 but never really slowed down. He enjoyed fishing and taking trips in his RV with his wife, Ruth. He was a master of staying connected, and if you ever needed to know what was going on, Bob was your go-to. His daily phone calls with his brothers, sons, and, in earlier years, his parents, kept all informed. He loved to talk about the weather, gas prices, and of course, the best places to eat—no matter where he was.

On June 23, 1962, Bobby married Ruth Marie Winfrey. They had 63 years together, and Ruth’s cooking, especially the desserts, was something Bobby never took for granted. He loved his food, especially fresh crappie and a good breakfast.

Bobby is survived by his wife, Ruth, and their two sons: Ron Wilkerson his wife Angie, their daughters Bridgette Shaiffer, her husband Eric, with their daughter Sophie, Madison Leiner and her husband Stephen, and Remi Wilkerson. Neil Wilkerson and his wife, Christy, and their children: Nathan Wilkerson, his wife Amanda, with their two sons Owen and Emmett and Josie Wilkerson. Bobby is also survived by his brothers, Doyle and Murl Wilkerson and their families, both of Climax Springs.

Bobby was a survivor of many health challenges over the years, including multiple heart issues, he defied the odds and kept going far longer than anyone expected. Bobby succumbed to a cancer that was just diagnosed weeks earlier. We are all shocked and saddened to lose a man who always managed to get well.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday August 3, 2025 at 2 pm at the Climax Springs Community Center., Climax Springs, MO