John E. Wilkens, 81, of Tulsa, formerly of McAlester, passed away on Monday, November 6, 2023 at St. Franis Hospital in Tulsa.

He was born on July 17, 1942 in Hochatown, Oklahoma to Ed and Mattie (Nave) Wilkens.  He married Gloria Jean Ott on October 3, 1969.  He served in the United States Army and enjoyed taking his grandkids fishing.

Survivors include daughter, Cathy Shaddox; daughter, Tammy Welch; son, Tim Wilkens; daughter, Anita Wilkens; grandchildren, Michael Medders, Jessica Crye, John Shaddox, Lauren Bryan, Jonathan Welch, James Welch, Joseph Welch, Jamie Bernheisel, Jenna Welch, Jacob Welch, Jordan Shock, Raven Mize, Timber Wilkens and Cody Wilkens; numerous great-grandchildren; two sisters and a nephew, Charles Wilkens.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Gloria Jean Wilkens in 2017; a son, Kelly Medders and a grandson, Joshua Welch.

Graveside services will be 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 13, 2023 at the Arpelar Cemetery Pavilion with Pastor Jonathan Welch officiating. Burial will follow.  Pallbearers will be Jonathan Welch, John Shaddox, James Welch, Jacob Welch, Joseph Welch, Tim Wilkens, Levi Bryan, Cody Wilkens and Michael Medders.