William H. Wilkes, 78, of Belvidere, died Sunday, December 21, 2008 in his home following a lengthy illness. Born September 11, 1930 in Dixon, Ill; the son of Harry and Ruth (Elhert) Wilkes. He married Eileen E. Blackledge in Harvard, Ill. on April 3, 1952. He was employed as a professional Truck Driver for many years retiring in 1992. William was a veteran of the Korean War serving in the Marines. He attended Immanuel Lutheran Church. He was a member of the American Legion Boone Post #77. He is survived by his wife, Eileen, Belvidere; two daughters, Kim (Dave) Schirmer, Belvidere; Ann (Christopher) Ryan, Loves Park, Ill.; eight grandchildren, Bill, Rachel and Brittany Stockes, David and Eric Schirmer, Ely Tara and Brenna Ryan; three great-grandchildren, Jacob, Jersie and Lynn. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two daughters, Jan and Pam Wilkes.