CENTRALIA — Charles “Butch” W. Wilkey, 74, of Centralia, passed away Saturday, June 25, 2022, at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia.

He was born February 19, 1948, in Centralia, the son of William “Bud” Wilkey and Mae (Estes) Wilkey. He married Judy Gilley on May 10, 2014, and she survives in Centralia.

In addition to his beloved wife of 8 years, Judy Wilkey of Centralia, he is also survived by his two children: Everett Wilkey and wife Jo of Marion and Shirley Wilkey of Marion; two step-children: Diane Gore and husband JD of Sandoval and Lane Briscoe and wife Tiffany of Patoka; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a brother: Randy Wilkey and wife Susan of Centralia; two sisters: Gladys Schindelar of Mt. Vernon and Beverly Kirgan of Centralia; several nieces and nephews; and an aunt: JoAnn Blackwell of Centralia.

Butch was preceded in death by his parents: Bud and Mae Wilkey and his brother: Gary Wilkey.

Butch worked at Valley Steel for 20 years. He was a member of The Rock Church in Centralia. Butch was an avid St. Louis Cardinals Fan. He enjoyed collecting different things, such as Avon Bottles. He would also make plastic cross stitch items and putting puzzles together. Butch was a very outgoing person and he would never meet a stranger. He had a very generous and big heart. He treasured the time he spent with his family and friends.

Per Butch’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded and a Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date. Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, 618-532-3523, is honored to be of service to Butch’s family.

Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home Facebook page.