Thomas N. Wilkes, age 74, was born July 11, 1950 in Gelnhausen, West Germany. He passed away at his home in O'Fallon, Ill., on July 20, 2024.

Thomas enlisted in the United States Air Force 1970 and served for 20 years, first with the 341st Missile Wing at Malmstrom AFB, Mont., then as a plumbing technician at Okinawa AB, Japan and the Air Force Academy. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, retiring in 1990 from Scott AFB, Ill. He then worked as a civilian computer specialist and programmer for the 375th Medical Group at Scott AFB, Ill. Thomas was an avid reader and enjoyed bowling and shooting pool and was a member of O'Fallon Assembly of God Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents William and Anna Marie, nee Eckert, Wilkes; his brother Kevin Wilkes; and his son Allen Wilkes, whose loss he deeply grieved.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Carolyn, nee Garry, Wilkes, of O'Fallon; children Thomas (Tera) Wilkes II of Belleville, and Angelia Wilkes of Alorton; granddaughters Serena Rae Wilkes, Katryna Wilkes, and Olivia Wilkes; and step-grandchild Alexander William.

Online condolences can be shared, and a video tribute may be viewed at www.wfh-ofallon.com. Memorial donations are suggested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Visitation will begin at 9 am, followed immediately by a Funeral Service to begin at 10 am, Monday, July 29, 2024 at O'Fallon Assembly of God Church, 1400 N. Green Mount Rd., O'Fallon, IL 62269, with Pastor Donald Andreasen officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Mo.