Calvin Wilkerson

Calvin “Big John” Wilkerson, 60, died Oct. 31 in Wasilla. He was born April 22, 1949 in Worland, Wyo., the son of Otis and Bessie Wilkerson. He graduated from Woodland High School in Woodland, Wash., and in 1969 he moved to Ketchikan. Calvin had lived all over Alaska and in Wasilla for the last 20 years. He worked for a time in the logging industry and retired after 25 years of working as a mechanic and autobody technician. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, working on cars and helping friends.

Calvin is survived by his son, Calvin Wilkerson and his wife Tina of Wasilla; adopted son, John Rice of Houston; sister, Muriel Glison and her husband Terri of Wasilla; sister, Patsey Davenport of Longview, Wash.; brother, Pete Wilkerson, Woodland, Wash.; brother, Odie Wilkerson of Cody, Wyo.; grandsons Jay and Lee Falwell both of Wasilla; nephew, Bill Davenport of Longview, Wash.; and several more nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents and sisters, Teni Sublet, Lou Morris and Connie Niely.

Services will be held at a later date by invitation only and Calvin’s ashes will be scattered near Eureka.

Arrangements are with Valley Funeral Home, Wasilla.