Roger “Welcho” Wilkins, age 69 of Salem, passed away on January 8, 2025, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh, Indiana.
Roger was born on October 2, 1955, in Salem, Illinois, the son of Richard and Betty (Jones) Wilkins.
Survivors include his siblings, Barbara Lorenzini of Centralia, Jackie Schuler of Salem, Ricky Kay Dunaway of Walnut Hill, Richard Lee “Keebler” Wilkins and wife Marcia of Salem, Danny Joe “Mt. Dew” Wilkins of Waynesville, Georgia, Mike Wilkins and wife Sandy of Salem, Marsha Pritchard and husband Jim of Altamont, Mary “Tina” Wilkins of Salem, Kevin Wilkins of Walnut Hill, Jay Dee Wilkins and wife Linda of Salem, Debbie Torbeck of Odin, and Jeanette Hodge and husband Kerry of Odin; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great-nephews; longtime companion, Karen Crain of Salem, and her children, Tami Jo Russell of Salem, Joey Wimberly of Salem, Randy Wimberly of Mt. Vernon, Stephen Wimberly of Salem, and David Linder Jr. of Salem; and the girls at the Cancer Center Specialists of Illinois and the Outpatient Infusion at Salem Township Hospital.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Betty Wilkins, his brother, Ronnie “Rev” Wilkins, his brothers-in-law, Lew Lorenzini, George Schuler, Doug Dunaway, and Marvin Torbeck, and a nephew, Ben Wilkins.
Roger spent many years working for Salem Township. He had a passion for hunting and fishing, and was an avid gardener, enjoying the harvest and sharing his produce with friends and family. He also enjoyed canning and making his own salsa. He liked to tease others, yet his kind heart made him a friend to many. On Sundays, he and his friends would gather for breakfast and share a beer at the “Chicken Coop Club.”
A celebration of life service for Roger Wilkins will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025, at the Marion County Fairgrounds Exhibit Building where friends are invited to come and share your stories of Roger with the family from 5:00- 8:00 p.m. Memorial contributions can be made to the Salem Animal Shelter or Sleep In Heavenly Peace and will be received at the Marion County Fairgrounds the night of the visitation or at Crouse Funeral Home who is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences and memories can be left at www.CrouseFH.com.
