Donald E. Wilkes passed away on Friday, October 13th 2023 at 92 years of age. He was born on April 8th,1931 in Middletown, CT to the late Charles Edward Wilkes and Margaret Louise Bagley Wilkes.  Donald was the second son of three, Oldest was Richard (Eli) Wilkes, Head of Operations Nuclear Submarine Division in Groton, CT.  His younger brother Rodney (Dori) Wilkes was a Captain flying for US Airlines in Pittsburg, PA.  His father was a Civil Engineer for the State of CT. His mother was an English School Teacher and taught Elementary school level as well in East Hampton, CT.  Donald fathered one daughter, Maurenn (Will) Coe Spence from Kula, Maui, HI. Five sons, Twins, David (Amy)Edward Wilkes from Asheville, NC. Donald (Eli) Wilkes, Daytona Beach, FL., Rodney Charles (Dee) Wilkes Coatesville, PA, Stepson, James Walter Little Jr. of Daytona Beach, FL. Step-daughter Joann Danielle Little of Daytona Beach, FL. Preceded in death by his sons; Kevin Paul Wilkes and Bradley Jay Wilkes.

Donald served in the U.S. AirForce (1949) He served in the Korean War in the 51st Communications Squadron Oprs.  Donald received an Occupations Ribbon (Japan) , United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, District Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal. At the end of his Tour he worked for FAA GS12 Grade and his military Ranked him Lieutenant Colonel.  After the war, his accomplishments were; he joined the Air Force National Guard, Graduated from the FAA  Academy, worked as a Radar Electronic Engineer for 18 years.

After retirement he started his own business owning a laundromat business in up-state NY. He worked for the city of Daytona Beach as a Water Wastewater Inspector for 15 years.  Donald was an entrepreneur. He invented his own Gas-Chloration Business. Cleaning new potable drinking water lines.  Donald and Joann worked together for 25 years then retired.  Donald was a superior athlete, as a boy, fishing, hunting, shooting, wood chopping, car racing, swimming, motorcycle rider, Captain of the soccer team in high school, baseball, basketball.  He lettered in all sports in High School. He was on the US Air Force Swim Team and beat the Olympic Silver Medalist in competition.

For 12 years he was a member of the Daytona Beach Track Club and in his 40's he ran a 26 mile marathon and many races over the 12 years.  He was involved in the Jacksonville Decathlon Event. There were 10 events. He won his age group.  He won the Florida State Masters Track and Field Championships in 1977 & 1978. Donald started at 54 years Tae Kwon Do for 11 years and trained by GrandMaster Peter Lee.  He received his First Degree Dan Black Belt, his Juda Quan from Korea.  He danced Roller Skated for 35 years. at the age of 50. He won his Expert Marksman Shooting from the US Air Force. He enjoyed riding his old and new motorcycles and driving his old English automobiles.  Donald lived and loved life to the fullest.  This is a man truly loved by every man, woman and child that ever knew him.

He is survived by 1 niece, Laura (Jeff) Denison of Waterford, CT, 4 Nephews, Brian (Cindy) Wilkes of Katy, TX, Galen Wilkes of Valley Glen, CA, Thomas (Lari) Wilkes of Alva, FL, Grandchildren; Lyndsen Gallagher, Lachlan Christiansen, Landon Christianson, Laurenn Aimee Schiek, Elizabeth Brown, Glenn Wilkes, Stephanie Fessessen, John Bayne Wolfe III, EmilySage Wilkes, Bradley Wilkes, Tiger Wilkes, Kendall Wilkes, Shawn Cox, Jesse Kidd, Justin Kidd Great Grandchildren, Kellan, Keagan, Rylan, Kellac, Quincy, Addison, Emily Mae, Sophra, Caden, Karon-J, Kade, Blaze, Zackery, Tyler Bell.

He's a man of honor, Integrity, compassion, strong intelligence, handsome, brave and true.  How did I get so lucky to have you to love. When I first met you roller skating, I could not believe what an incredible , kind, and caring man had just walked into my life and there are still times I stop and wonder how on earth I got so lucky.  The many days we shared and the 44 years we spent with each other are extraordinary to me now as you were the day we met. and I'll always feel so fortunate and grateful to call you mine.  Nothing makes me happier or more sure of my place in the world than being your wife and sharing this wonderful life with you.  Sometimes I wonder what my world would be like without you at the center of it.  I don't know how I'm going to get by without your love, your supporter  or the many thoughtful things you always do for me. You're the strong and steady presence that I always count on you. You brought me more happiness and joy than I could have ever hoped for and I want you to know that I will always be grateful from the bottom of my heart for you and your 44 years of love.  All I wanted to do is Love you for the rest of my life. To wake up every morning with you by my side.  Knowing that no matter what happens I'll be able to come home to your loving arms..  All I wanted is to share everything with you, the little everyday things that make us laugh and the not so little things that we would worry about..  All I wanted is to grow old with you, to watch our life unfold, our dreams, one by one, come true and all I wanted is to love you forever. You are my sunshine in the morning and you have made me the happiest wife in the world. My darling, you are amazing, capable, wonderful, loved, you were truly lovely. Always remember you were so courageous, wiser and loved you more than you could imagine. I love you infinity cube to the infinity power squared, your my heaven on earth, my miracle, my bright shiny star in the universe, which I have said to you every night before you retired and you would always say back to me Ditto Good Night My Darling. I want you to know that I will always be grateful from the bottom of my heart to have you and your beautiful love over the 44 years we were together.  You are my treasure, gift and precious to me , the love of my life.  May you rest in peace and I will join you forever my darling.